Parallel method of reasoning

(Para)

Stems that ask us to identify the answer choice that presents an argument with an abstract structure that mirrors the argument in the stimulus.

Avg. 1.0 per section

“The reasoning in the argument above is most similar to the reasoning in which one of the following arguments?”

7%
18%
41%
18%
16%

Avg. difficulty: 3.2

Correct answer criteria

  • An argument that most closely matches the key elements of reasoning in the argument in the stimulus.

Key tactics

  • Identify the conclusion and premises
  • Try to summarize the key elements of the premises and conclusion that you're looking to match in the correct answer
  • Be ready for conditional logic, which is common on these questions
  • Pay attention to the strength of language in the conclusion

Answer choice tips

  • If you're stuck on an answer, make sure to check whether the strength of the conclusion matches what we're looking for. (e.g., If the answer choice conclusion says "X will probably occur" but the stimulus conclusion said "X will occur" then this doesn't match and the answer is unlikely to be correct.)
  • Make sure to evaluate the answers sentence by sentence. Often you don't need to read the whole answer to see that there are parts of it that don't match

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Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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