Main Conclusion

We’ve already talked about the Main Conclusion (Claim), and identifying it in your circuit is straightforward. It will be that concept in the boxes along the top.

The only way this can be more challenging than that (and it can be challenging, don’t get us wrong) is that the correct answer may rephrase the Claim, either by using synonymous words, rearranging the sentence structure, or filling in ideas that are referenced by the Claim.

For instance, let’s say our Claim is:

This dinosaur was not primarily a predator.

It’s possible that the correct answer could say:

  1. This dinosaur did not primarily hunt, using a synonymous phrase for predator but meaning the same thing.

  2. Predation was not a primary behavior for this dinosaur, rephrasing the whole claim, but fundamentally using the same language.

  3. Tyrannosaurus rex was not primarily a predator, presuming of course that the rest of the argument discussed T. rex and this claim is a reference to that, this phrasing would be equivalent as well.
    Remember: Often it is helpful when doing your first analysis to “fill in” referential pronouns like “this”, “that”, “these”, or “those” and even regular pronouns like “he”, “she”, or “they” with the people or ideas they are referring to. This can clarify your analysis to make sure your circuit is set up for success.

Method of Reasoning

Method of Reasoning questions essentially ask you to describe the PATH of the argument. What happens to get us around the circuit?

What better way than to have a mental map of exactly what the argument looks like!

Let’s use the dinosaur example and expand it a bit:

Despite its fearsome reputation and long-standing categorization by paleontologists as a predator, Tyrannosaurus rex was likely a scavenger. Its anatomical features—such as massive jaws ideal for bone-crushing and a robust body ill-suited for fast pursuits—are traits it shares with modern scavengers.

Here’s a quick analysis:

  • Claim: Tyrannosaurus rex was … a scavenger.

  • Qualifier: …likely…

  • Minor Premises: Its anatomical features—such as massive jaws ideal for bone-crushing and a robust body ill-suited for fast pursuits—are traits it shares with modern scavengers.

  • Backing: None

  • Rebuttal: Despite its fearsome reputation and long-standing categorization by paleontologists as a predator

And a circuit to go with it:

And now that we have a circuit, describing its flow becomes easier:

The argument proceeds by rebutting a counterargument and providing evidence to support its ultimate conclusion.

Now of course the LSAT could use different words, different phrasing to express that, but that will be the gist of it!

Role in the Argument

Role questions are built for circuits. Or maybe circuits are built for Role questions…? Anyway, this one is going to be great!

Let’s use the expanded dinosaur example again:

Despite its fearsome reputation and long-standing categorization by paleontologists as a predator, Tyrannosaurus rex was likely a scavenger. Its anatomical features—such as massive jaws ideal for bone-crushing and a robust body ill-suited for fast pursuits—are traits it shares with modern scavengers.

Here’s our circuit:

So, the roles are laid out for us.

  • Main Conclusion (Claim/Qualifier): Tyrannosaurus rex was likely a scavenger.
    Most often LSAT calls this the “Main Conclusion” though on occasion you see it called a claim.

  • Premises or Evidence (Minor Premises): Its anatomical features—such as massive jaws ideal for bone-crushing and a robust body ill-suited for fast pursuits—are traits it shares with modern scavengers.
    There are a number of ways the LSAT refers to minor premises, but premise and evidence are the most common

  • Counterargument, counterclaim, or common wisdom (Rebuttal): Despite its fearsome reputation and long-standing categorization by paleontologists as a predator
    We now know that this statement is made for the purposes of making an argument that counters it. Again, it could be phrased many ways, but that’s what your answer choice should mean.