Transcript LSAT - Coastal Carolina University

LSAT
Logical Reasoning Questions
► Recognize
the point or issue of an argument
or dispute
► Detecting train of reasoning, assumptions
► Drawn reasonable conclusions
► Identify and apply principles
► Identify the method/structure of an
argument
1. A study has shown that there are still
millions of people who are unaware that
they endanger their health by smoking
cigarettes. This is so despite government
campaigns to warn people of the dangers of
smoking. Reluctantly, one has to draw the
conclusion that the mandatory warnings
that tobacco companies are required to print
have had no effect.
Which of the following if true would refute the
argument?
(P1) A study has shown that there are still
millions of people who are unaware that
they endanger their health by smoking
cigarettes.
(P2) This is so despite government campaigns
to warn people of the dangers of smoking.
(C) The mandatory warnings that tobacco
companies are required to print have had
no effect.
Which of the following if true would refute the
argument?
(A) Many people who continue to smoke are aware of the
dangers of smoking.
(B) Some people smoke cigarettes for legitimate reasons.
(C) Government has had to force companies to warn potential
customers of the dangers of their products.
(D) Some people who are aware of the dangers of smoking
were made aware of them by the mandatory warnings.
(E) Smoking is clearly responsible for a substantial proportion
of preventable illness in the country.
2. Electrons orbit around the nucleus of an
atom in the same way that the Earth orbits
around the Sun. It is well known that
gravity is the major force that determines
the orbit of the Earth. We may, therefore,
expect that gravity is the main force that
determines the orbit of an electron.
The argument above attempts to prove its
case by…
2. Electrons orbit around the nucleus of an
atom in the same way that the Earth orbits
around the Sun. It is well known that
gravity is the major force that determines
the orbit of the Earth. We may, therefore,
expect that gravity is the main force that
determines the orbit of an electron.
(A) applying well-known general laws to a specific case
(B) appealing to well-known specific cases to prove a general
law about them
(C) testing its conclusion by a definite experiment
(D) appealing to an apparently similar case
(E) stating its conclusion without giving any kind of reason to
think it might be true
4. No one who has a sore throat need consult a doctor,
because sore throats will recover without medical
intervention. In recent years several cases of epiglottitis
have occurred. Epiglottitis is a condition that begins with a
sore throat and deteriorates rapidly in such a way that the
throat becomes quite swollen, thus restricting breathing.
Sometimes the only way to save a patient’s life in these
circumstances is to insert a plastic tube into the throat
below the blockage so that the patient can breathe. It is
highly advisable in such cases that sufferers seek medical
attention when the first symptoms occur, that is, before the
condition deteriorates.
Which one of the following is the best statement of the
flaw in the argument?
(A) The author draws a general conclusion on the basis of
evidence of a particular instance.
(B) The author assumes that similar effects must have similar
causes.
(C) The author uses a medical term, “epiglottitis,” and does
not clarify its meaning.
(D) The author makes two claims that contradict each other.
(E) The author bases her conclusion at the end of the
passage on inadequate evidence.
9. All intelligent people are nearsighted. I am
very nearsighted. So I must be a genius.
9. All intelligent people are nearsighted. I am
very nearsighted. So I must be a genius.
P1. All IP are N.
P2. I am N.
C. So, I am IP.
All cats are mammals.
I am a mammal.
So, I am a cat.
P1. All IP are N.
All mean animals are
furry.
I am very furry.
So, I am very mean.
P2. I am VN.
C. So, I am VIP.
Which one of the following exhibits both of the logical flaws
exhibited in the argument above?
(A) I must be stupid because all intelligent people are
nearsighted and I have perfect eyesight.
(B) All chickens have beaks. This bird has a beak. So this bird
must be a chicken.
(C) All pigs have four legs, but this spider has eight legs. So
this spider must be twice as big as any pig.
(D) John is extremely happy, so he must be extremely tall
because all tall people are happy.
(E) All geniuses are very nearsighted. I must be very
nearsighted since I am a genius.
Which one of the following exhibits both of the logical flaws
exhibited in the argument above?
(A) I must be stupid because all intelligent people are
nearsighted and I have perfect eyesight.
(B) All chickens have beaks. This bird has a beak. So this bird
must be a chicken.
(C) All pigs have four legs, but this spider has eight legs. So
this spider must be twice as big as any pig.
(D) John is extremely happy, so he must be extremely tall
because all tall people are happy.
(E) All geniuses are very nearsighted. I must be very
nearsighted since I am a genius.
(B) All chickens have beaks. This bird has a beak. So
this bird must be a chicken.
All C have B.
This b has a B.
So, this b is a C.
(D) John is extremely happy, so he must be
extremely tall because all tall people are happy.
All T have H.
This j has a VH.
So, this j is a VT.
Writing Sample
► Decision
Problem
► Make a choice, either one
► Support it with well-reasoned, well-written
argumentation
► Consider both choices based on the criteria
and the facts
► Assert
a thesis very clearly and a to the point
overview of the argument
► Defend it
 Appeal to the criteria and facts provided
 Acknowledge the alternative, but give reason for
preferring one choice over the other
 Use logical language
 Use clear transitions, organizational language
► Provide
a summary of the argument and the
conclusion reached.