In the Logical Reasoning section of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), “Parallel Reasoning” questions challenge test-takers to identify arguments that exhibit similar logical structures or reasoning patterns as the one presented in the passage. These questions assess a candidate’s ability to recognize analogous arguments and apply the same logical approach to new scenarios. By mastering this question type, test-takers can demonstrate their ability to draw connections between different arguments and improve their performance on the LSAT. Let’s explore an overview of “Parallel Reasoning” questions, along with examples and a step-by-step guide on how to solve them effectively.
Overview of “Parallel Reasoning” Questions in the LSAT’s Logical Reasoning Section
“Parallel Reasoning” questions present an argument in the form of a short passage. The passage contains evidence or premises that lead to a conclusion. Test-takers must identify the answer choice that exhibits a similar logical structure, demonstrating comparable relationships between the evidence and conclusion. The correct answer should share the same reasoning pattern as the original argument, even if the topic or content is different.
Example:
Argument: “Students who consistently engage in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically. A study found that high-achieving students were more likely to participate in such activities, indicating a positive correlation between involvement and academic success.”
Question: Which of the following arguments exhibits similar logical reasoning as the one above?
A) People who eat a balanced diet are generally healthier. A survey showed that individuals who consume more fruits and vegetables have fewer health issues, suggesting that a nutritious diet promotes overall well-being.
B) Companies that invest in employee training experience higher productivity levels. A recent study revealed that businesses with well-trained staff outperform their competitors, indicating that training contributes to enhanced productivity.
C) Athletes who consistently follow rigorous training regimes excel in their sports. Observations demonstrated that those who put in more training hours achieve better results, illustrating a direct link between practice and athletic success.
D) Individuals who prioritize work-life balance report higher job satisfaction. Surveys indicate that people who have time for hobbies and leisure activities are more content with their jobs, highlighting the importance of maintaining work-life balance.
E) Homeowners who invest in energy-efficient upgrades save money on utility bills. A study found that houses with energy-efficient appliances and insulation experience reduced energy consumption, suggesting that these upgrades lead to cost savings.
Solving the LSAT’s “Parallel Reasoning” Questions
Step 1: Identify the Logical Structure Read the original argument carefully and determine the logical structure or reasoning pattern used. Understanding the underlying logic is essential for finding an analogous argument.
In the example, the logical structure involves a correlation between consistent engagement in extracurricular activities and academic performance.
Step 2: Anticipate the Answer Before looking at the answer choices, try to anticipate what logical structure or reasoning pattern would parallel the original argument.
In this case, potential parallels could include arguments that involve correlations between two factors and imply a cause-and-effect relationship.
Step 3: Evaluate the Answer Choices Carefully read each answer choice and assess whether it exhibits a similar logical structure to the original argument. Eliminate choices that do not share analogous reasoning.
A) This argument involves a correlation between a balanced diet and overall well-being but does not directly parallel the original argument’s structure.
B) This argument involves a correlation between employee training and productivity, similar to the original argument’s structure.
C) This argument involves a correlation between rigorous training and athletic success but is not directly analogous to the original argument.
D) This argument involves a correlation between work-life balance and job satisfaction, which differs from the original argument’s structure.
E) This argument involves a correlation between energy-efficient upgrades and cost savings but is not directly analogous to the original argument.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Answer The correct answer is B, “Companies that invest in employee training experience higher productivity levels.” This choice exhibits a similar logical structure, involving a correlation between an action (investing in employee training) and a positive outcome (higher productivity levels).
The Last Word
Mastering “Parallel Reasoning” questions in the LSAT Logical Reasoning section requires the ability to recognize analogous arguments and apply the same logical approach to new scenarios. By practicing this question type and honing their ability to identify shared reasoning patterns, test-takers can confidently tackle “Parallel Reasoning” questions and demonstrate their logical reasoning skills on the LSAT.
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