In the Logical Reasoning section of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), weaken questions challenge test-takers to find the answer choice that undermines or weakens the argument’s strength. Weaken questions assess a candidate’s ability to critically evaluate the logic and reasoning of the presented arguments, identifying flaws or gaps in the provided evidence. By mastering this question type, test-takers can enhance their performance and demonstrate their analytical prowess on the LSAT. Let’s explore an overview of weaken questions, along with examples and a step-by-step guide on how to solve them effectively.
Weaken Question Type on The LSAT’s Logical Reasoning Section
Weaken questions present an argument in the form of a short passage. The passage contains a conclusion supported by premises or evidence. Test-takers must identify the answer choice that introduces new information or provides an alternative perspective, making the argument less convincing or reliable. In essence, the correct answer must “weaken” the argument’s reasoning, casting doubt on the connection between the premises and the conclusion.
Example:
Argument: “The new drug X has proven to be highly effective in treating insomnia, as demonstrated in a clinical trial. 90% of the participants reported improved sleep patterns and better quality of life.”
Question:
Which of the following, if true, weakens the argument most effectively?
A) The clinical trial involved a relatively small sample size of participants.
B) The majority of participants in the trial were over the age of 65.
C) Participants who received a placebo also reported some improvement in their sleep patterns.
D) The side effects of drug X were found to be mild and temporary.
E) The study design of the clinical trial was approved by the FDA.
Solving Weaken Questions on the LSAT
Step 1: Identify the Conclusion and Premises Read the argument carefully and determine the conclusion and the premises or evidence that support it. Understanding the structure of the argument is essential to pinpointing the weak points that need undermining.
In the example, the conclusion is “The new drug X has proven to be highly effective in treating insomnia,” and the premises are the results of the clinical trial showing 90% of participants reported improved sleep patterns.
Step 2: Anticipate the Answer Before examining the answer choices, try to anticipate what kind of information could weaken the argument based on the conclusion and premises.
In this case, potential weakeners could include factors that challenge the study’s credibility, highlight potential biases, or reveal drawbacks of the drug.
Step 3: Evaluate the Answer Choices Carefully read each answer choice and assess its impact on the argument. Cross out choices that do not directly weaken the argument.
A) The clinical trial involved a relatively small sample size of participants.
- This weakens the argument by questioning the reliability of the results due to the small sample size.
B) The majority of participants in the trial were over the age of 65.
- While interesting, this does not directly impact the argument’s conclusion.
C) Participants who received a placebo also reported some improvement in their sleep patterns.
- This weakens the argument by suggesting that the improvement might be due to a placebo effect, not the drug.
D) The side effects of drug X were found to be mild and temporary.
- This does not directly undermine the argument’s conclusion.
E) The study design of the clinical trial was approved by the FDA.
- This does not directly weaken the argument.
Step 4: Determine the Correct Answer
The correct answer is C, “Participants who received a placebo also reported some improvement in their sleep patterns.” This choice weakens the argument by suggesting that the improvements reported by the participants might be due to the placebo effect, not the drug’s effectiveness.
the last word
Mastering weaken questions in the LSAT Logical Reasoning section requires careful analysis and the ability to identify the answer choice that undermines the argument’s strength. By practicing this question type and developing a critical mindset, test-takers can confidently tackle weaken questions and showcase their logical reasoning skills on the LSAT.
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