Using Circuits to Answer LR Questions

The LSAT has a consistent list of questions that it will ask you about an argument. That list, somewhere between 13 and 17 types depending on the resources you consult, seems quite varied and the resources encourage you to “learn and memorize an approach for each.”

So here’s our hot take: there is really only one method for all question types.

Is this an oversimplification? Yes, probably. Hear us out, though.

Here is a version of a list of all of the LR question types, split into “families”. We suggest working through them all in order a couple of times, but we’ve also linked each one below in case you want to find one in particular.

Structure Family

1. Main Conclusion

2. Method of Reasoning

3. Role in the Argument

4. Parallel Reasoning

Flaw Family

1. Flaw/Vulnerable to Criticism

2. Necessary Assumption

3. Sufficient Assumption

4. Principle Justify

5. Strengthen

6. Weaken

7. Parallel Flaw

8. Debate

9. Evaluate the Argument

Inference Family

1. Most Strongly Supported

2. Principle Conform

3. Must be True/Cannot Be True

4. Resolve the Paradox

Seems like a lot, huh?

But we will talk about each family and its constituents separately and how you would cope with them using a circuit as your guide.

We’re going to start off with Structure and Flaw Family questions that employ deductive reasoning, and we’ll get to the rest later on!