unlocking the lsat logic games by type: ordering

The Analytical Reasoning, or “Logic Games”, section of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) presents a variety of question types, each with its unique set of challenges. Ordering questions demand a strategic approach to arrive at the correct solution. In Ordering questions, test-takers are required to arrange elements in a specific sequence based on given rules or conditions. These questions assess a candidate’s ability to organize information logically and draw inferences to determine the correct order. Mastering this question type requires keen analytical skills and an understanding of how to deduce the most accurate sequence. Let’s delve into an overview of Ordering questions, along with two examples and a step-by-step walkthrough of how to solve them.

analytical reasoning – ordering games

Ordering questions in the LSAT Logic Games section challenge candidates to arrange elements, such as people, items, or events, in a particular sequence according to specified rules or limitations. The conditions may dictate the exact position of elements, their relative positions, or their relationship with other elements. Your task is to identify the correct order that satisfies the given criteria.

Example:

A group of five contestants—Alice, Ben, Chloe, David, and Emma—will perform in a talent show. They are assigned to perform one after the other. The following conditions apply:

1. Chloe performs before David.
2. Emma performs fourth.

Determine the order in which the contestants will perform in the talent show.

Solving the Ordering Game:

Step 1: Understand the Rules Read the clues carefully and identify the rules or conditions that dictate the sequence of the contestants’ performances.

In Example 1, we have clues about the order in which some contestants perform, but we need to determine the order for all the contestants.

Step 2: Create a Sequence or Diagram Create a sequence or diagram to visualize the possible orderings and start organizing the information.

1       2       3       4       5
---------------------------------
        ?       ?       ?       ?

Step 3: Apply the Rules Use the information from the clues to start filling in the sequence with any definite positions.

• From clue 2, Emma performs fourth.

1       2       3       4       5
---------------------------------
        ?       ?       Emma    ?

Step 4: Make Deductions Use the clues to make deductions and fill in more positions.

• From clue 1, Chloe performs before David.

1       2       3       4       5
---------------------------------
        ?       Chloe  Emma    David

Step 5: Complete the Sequence Continue applying the rules and making deductions until you have the complete sequence.

Since there are no other rules, we can consider the remaining positions to be variable.

1       2       3       4       5
---------------------------------
        ?       Chloe  Emma    David

Step 6: Finalize the Sequence Since we don’t have additional information to determine the positions for Alice and Ben, we leave them as variables.

1       2       3       4       5
---------------------------------
        ?       Chloe  Emma    David
?       ?

The Last Word

Ordering questions in the LSAT Logic Games section require careful deduction and logical sequencing of the given information. By following a systematic approach and applying the provided rules, test-takers can confidently determine the correct order of elements and effectively tackle these types of questions in the LSAT.