The One and Only
For each question in the Logical Reasoning section, only one answer choice fully satisfies the characteristics of the credited response for the respective question type. This means that, regardless of the language used in the question stems — such as “most” or “best,” which may imply that multiple answer choices could potentially strengthen, weaken, or otherwise impact the argument — there is always just one correct answer.
The understanding that there is always just one correct answer in each Logical Reasoning question, despite the language used in the question stems, carries several significant implications for test-takers. Recognizing these implications can help test-takers adopt a more effective and efficient approach to tackling the Logical Reasoning section, ultimately leading to a higher score on the LSAT.
Implication 1: The Power of Process of Elimination
One of the most important implications of recognizing that there is only one correct answer is that it empowers test-takers to employ the process of elimination with confidence. By comparing each answer choice against the specific criteria of the credited response for the given question type, test-takers can systematically eliminate options that do not meet the required characteristics. This process greatly narrows down the field of potential answers, making it easier to identify the single correct response.
Consider Method of Reasoning Questions as an example, where the credited response accurately describes the structure of the argument in the stimulus using abstract or general language. You might see the question stem for this Question Type use language such as “Which one of the following most accurately describes the method of reasoning used in the argument?” Although this might suggest that several answer choices could potentially describe the method of reasoning to varying degrees, it’s essential to understand that there will only be one answer that accurately and comprehensively captures the argument’s structure. The other four (wrong) answer choices will, in some way, mischaracterize the argument. Sometimes, attractive wrong answer choices will describe parts of the stimulus that are in fact not a part of the argument (see this post on the Perils of Extraneous Information).
Implication 2: Avoiding the Trap of Relative Comparisons
Understanding that there is always just one correct answer helps test-takers avoid the trap of engaging in relative comparisons among answer choices. You read that right: do NOT compare answer choices. Instead of wasting valuable time trying to determine which answer choice is “more” or “less” correct, test-takers can focus on assessing each answer choice against the absolute criteria of the credited response (see The Correct Answer Choice vs. The Contender for more on this). This approach promotes a more decisive and efficient test-taking strategy, maximizing the chances of selecting the correct response.
In particularly challenging questions, it may initially seem as though multiple answer choices could be correct, or none of them appear to fit the bill. However, recognizing that there is always just one correct answer can provide a sense of confidence and reassurance, even in the face of difficult questions. Test-takers can trust that one answer choice will definitively meet the credited response criteria, and they can rely on their knowledge and skills to identify that answer choice.
Implication 3: The Importance of Thorough Question Type Mastery
Finally, the understanding that there is always just one correct answer underscores the importance of thoroughly mastering the characteristics of the credited response for each question type. A deep understanding of these characteristics enables test-takers to effectively evaluate answer choices, efficiently eliminating incorrect options, and confidently selecting the single correct response. Consequently, investing time and effort into mastering the unique criteria of each question type becomes a critical success factor in this section of the LSAT.
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In the LR section, there are 15 different Question Types altogether, two of which — Cannot Be True and Evaluate the Argument — are far less common than the other 13. Here is an apt summary of how to define the credited response for nine different Question Types:
- Assumption: The correct answer choice is an unstated premise (i.e. an “assumption”) that must be true for the argument to be valid.
- Strengthen: The correct answer choice is a new premise that provides additional support for the conclusion in the stimulus, making it stronger and more persuasive.
- Justify the Conclusion: The correct answer choice is a new premise that, combined with the other premises in the stimulus, makes the argument valid, i.e. is sufficient to prove the truth of the conclusion.
- Weaken: The correct answer choice is a counter-premise that makes the conclusion in the stimulus less likely to be true.
- Main Point: The correct answer choice accurately represents the main conclusion of the argument in the stimulus, either by paraphrasing it (Type 1) or by inferring it from a series of statements or claims (Type 2).
- Inference: The correct answer choice is a valid inference drawn from the stimulus, a statement that follows logically without introducing any unsupported information.
- Method of Reasoning: The correct answer choice accurately describes the structure of the argument in the stimulus using abstract or general language.
- Method of Reasoning — Role: The correct answer choice accurately describes the role played by a specific part of the argument structure using abstract or general language.
- Flaw in the Reasoning: The correct answer choice accurately describes why or how the structure of the argument in the stimulus is invalid.
In sum, recognizing that there is always just one correct answer in each Logical Reasoning question, regardless of the language used in the question stems, has several important implications for test-takers. By embracing these implications and developing a focused, efficient, and confident approach to navigating the answer choices, test-takers can significantly improve their performance on the LSAT.
