Principle

(Princ)

Stems that tell us one part of the question (the stimulus or the answer choices) will feature a "principle" or "generalization" that the other part of the question will "illustrate" or "conform to." Typically MSS or PSAr.

Avg. 0.4 per section

“The journalist's reasoning most closely conforms to which one of the following principles?”

20%
28%
33%
13%
7%

Avg. difficulty: 2.6

Correct answer criteria

  • Principle questions are either MSS or PSAr. So the same criteria apply here. If MSS, the answer will be very strongly supported by the information in the stimulus. If PSAr, the answer will greatly improve the reasoning of the argument.

Key tactics

  • Read the stimulus carefully and try to identify the underlying principle or generalization.
  • Practice generalizing in your own words but don't get too attached to what you come up with. Your wording choice will not necessarily be the same as what the test writers come up with. So keep your eyes and mind open.
  • The stimulus typically presents a specific situation or example. Our task is to identify the underlying principle or generalization illustrated by the stimulus. These questions hone in on the distinction between what is specific and what is general.

Answer choice tips

  • Wrong answers will tend to also be stated in general terms but they won't apply to the specific description or illustration in the stimulus.

Looking for more?

7Sage offers a full course of video lessons that cover each question type in depth, targeted drills, and performance analytics.

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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