Identify The Conclusion Lsat Practice Questions

Identifying the conclusion in LSAT practice questions is a crucial skill for success in the Logical Reasoning section. The conclusion is the main point the author is trying to convince you of, and accurately recognizing it is fundamental to understanding the argument's structure, evaluating its validity, and answering related questions.

Why Identifying the Conclusion Matters

Mastering the art of pinpointing the conclusion in LSAT arguments unlocks a cascade of benefits. Not only does it set you up for acing "Identify the Conclusion" questions, but it also sharpens your ability to tackle other question types like:

• Strengthen/Weaken: To effectively strengthen or weaken an argument, you must first know what the argument is trying to prove.
• Assumption: Assumptions are unstated premises that the argument relies on. Identifying the conclusion helps you determine what the author needs to be true for their argument to hold.
• Flaw: Logical flaws often involve a disconnect between the premises and the conclusion. Recognizing the conclusion makes these flaws easier to spot.
• Inference: While inferences are not the main point, they are often related to the conclusion. A solid understanding of the conclusion helps you navigate potential inferences.

In essence, a firm grasp of the conclusion serves as the bedrock for your LSAT Logical Reasoning prowess.

Decoding the Argument: Premises and Conclusion

Before diving into specific strategies, let's clarify the fundamental components of an argument:

• Premises: These are statements offered as reasons or evidence to support the conclusion. Think of them as the building blocks of the argument. They are the "because" behind the author's claim.
• Conclusion: This is the main point the author is trying to establish. It's what they want you to believe or accept as true. It is the "therefore" of the argument.

The LSAT delights in obscuring this relationship, making the identification process trickier. The conclusion may not always be the last sentence; it can be buried in the middle or even appear at the very beginning.

Unveiling the Conclusion: Key Strategies

Here are some proven strategies to help you consistently identify the conclusion in LSAT Logical Reasoning questions:

1. Conclusion Keywords: The Signposts

Certain words and phrases act as signposts, indicating the presence of a conclusion. Keep an eye out for these common indicators:

• Therefore
• Thus
• Hence
• Consequently
• As a result
• So
• It follows that
• Accordingly
• In conclusion
• Clearly
• Must be that
• Shows that

Example: "Studies have shown that regular exercise improves cognitive function. Therefore, regular exercise can improve academic performance."

Caveat: Be wary of "therefore" and similar words used in the middle of a sentence. Sometimes, they introduce an intermediate conclusion – a statement that acts as a conclusion in relation to the preceding premise but also serves as a premise for the main conclusion.

2. Premise Keywords: The Supporting Cast

Just as conclusion keywords guide you to the main point, premise keywords signal the presence of supporting evidence. Recognizing these words can help you distinguish the premises from the conclusion:

• Because
• Since
• For
• As
• Given that
• Due to
• The reason is that
• For example
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• In addition

Example: "Because the price of gasoline has increased, people are driving less."

3. The "Why Test": Asking the Right Questions

A powerful technique is to ask "Why?" in relation to each statement in the argument. If a statement answers the question "Why?" about another statement, it's likely a premise supporting that other statement (which may be the conclusion).

Example: "The company's profits have declined. Why? Because sales have decreased."

In this case, "sales have decreased" is the premise, and "the company's profits have declined" is the conclusion.

4. The "Main Point" Test: Summarizing the Argument

Try to summarize the argument in a single sentence. This exercise forces you to identify the central claim the author is trying to make. The core of that sentence is likely to be the conclusion.

Example: "All cats are mammals. Whiskers is a cat. Therefore, Whiskers is a mammal."

Summary: "The argument concludes that Whiskers is a mammal based on the fact that Whiskers is a cat and all cats are mammals."

Conclusion: "Whiskers is a mammal."

5. Identifying Counter-Premises and Concessions

LSAT arguments often include counter-premises or concessions. These are statements that seem to argue against the main conclusion but are ultimately addressed or outweighed by the author. Identifying them helps you isolate the actual conclusion.

• Counter-Premise: A statement that appears to weaken the argument but is ultimately dismissed or shown to be less important.
• Concession: Acknowledging a point that supports the opposing side before reinforcing the main argument.

Example: "Although some people find the new policy inconvenient, it will ultimately benefit everyone in the long run."

Here, "some people find the new policy inconvenient" is a concession. The conclusion is that the policy "will ultimately benefit everyone in the long run."

6. Watch Out for Assumptions Posing as Conclusions

Sometimes, the author will state an assumption as if it were a conclusion. Remember, an assumption is an unstated premise that the argument relies on. If a statement seems to be taken for granted rather than argued for, it's likely an assumption, not the conclusion.

Example: "People who exercise regularly are healthier. Therefore, everyone should exercise regularly."

The unstated assumption is that being healthier is desirable or that people should do what is good for their health. The actual conclusion is "everyone should exercise regularly."

7. Analyze the Author's Intent

Consider the author's overall purpose in writing the argument. What are they trying to convince you of? What belief or action are they advocating for? The answer to these questions will often lead you to the conclusion.

Example: "The city's air quality has improved significantly since the new emissions regulations were implemented. People are reporting fewer respiratory problems. Therefore, the new emissions regulations are effective."

The author's intent is to convince you that the new regulations are working. The conclusion, therefore, is "the new emissions regulations are effective."

Common LSAT Traps to Avoid

The LSAT is designed to trick you. Be aware of these common traps:

• Misidentifying Background Information: Arguments often include background information to provide context. This information is not the conclusion.
• Confusing Intermediate Conclusions with the Main Conclusion: As mentioned earlier, some statements serve as conclusions for part of the argument but also act as premises for the ultimate conclusion. Be sure to identify the overarching claim.
• Overlooking the Forest for the Trees: Focus on the overall flow of the argument rather than getting bogged down in the details of individual sentences.
• Assuming the Last Sentence is Always the Conclusion: This is a classic LSAT trick. The conclusion can appear anywhere in the argument.

Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here's a systematic approach to identifying the conclusion in LSAT Logical Reasoning questions:

1. Read the Argument Carefully: Pay attention to every word and phrase.
2. Identify Keywords: Look for conclusion and premise indicators.
3. Apply the "Why Test": Ask "Why?" in relation to each statement.
4. Summarize the Argument: Condense the argument into a single sentence.
5. Analyze the Author's Intent: What is the author trying to convince you of?
6. Eliminate Incorrect Answer Choices: Use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Ask yourself: Does this statement reflect the author's primary point? Is it supported by the other statements in the argument?
7. Choose the Best Answer: Select the answer choice that accurately reflects the main conclusion of the argument.

Example Questions and Detailed Explanations

Let's apply these strategies to some LSAT-style practice questions:

Question 1:

"The increasing popularity of online education has led to a decline in enrollment at traditional universities. Furthermore, many students find online courses more convenient and affordable. Therefore, traditional universities will eventually become obsolete."

• Keywords: "Therefore" indicates a conclusion.
• Analysis: The argument presents two premises: (1) online education is gaining popularity and causing enrollment declines at traditional universities, and (2) online courses are more convenient and affordable. The author concludes that traditional universities will eventually become obsolete based on these premises.

Correct Answer: Traditional universities will eventually become obsolete.

Question 2:

"Although some people claim that genetically modified (GM) crops are harmful to human health, numerous studies have shown that they are safe for consumption. Moreover, GM crops can increase crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides. It is clear, then, that GM crops offer significant benefits to society."

• Keywords: "Although" indicates a concession; "It is clear, then" indicates a conclusion.
• Analysis: The argument acknowledges the counter-premise that some people believe GM crops are harmful. However, the author argues that GM crops are safe and beneficial. The conclusion is that GM crops offer significant benefits to society.

Correct Answer: GM crops offer significant benefits to society.

Question 3:

"The company's new marketing campaign has been very successful. Sales have increased by 20% in the last quarter. Therefore, the company should continue investing in its marketing efforts."

• Keywords: "Therefore" indicates a conclusion.
• Analysis: The argument presents the premise that the marketing campaign has been successful, as evidenced by a 20% increase in sales. The author concludes that the company should continue investing in its marketing efforts.

Correct Answer: The company should continue investing in its marketing efforts.

Question 4:

"Exercising regularly is essential for maintaining good health. Regular exercise helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Therefore, everyone should make time for exercise in their daily routine."

• Keywords: "Therefore" indicates a conclusion.
• Analysis: The argument starts with the premise that exercising regularly is essential for maintaining good health. It then provides additional premises: regular exercise helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The conclusion is that everyone should make time for exercise in their daily routine.

Correct Answer: Everyone should make time for exercise in their daily routine.

Question 5:

"While some critics argue that social media promotes superficial connections, it also allows people to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. Social media platforms provide a convenient way to share updates, photos, and videos, fostering a sense of community. Therefore, social media can be a valuable tool for maintaining relationships."

• Keywords: "While" indicates a concession; "Therefore" indicates a conclusion.
• Analysis: The argument acknowledges the counter-premise that social media promotes superficial connections. However, it argues that social media allows people to stay connected with distant friends and family and fosters a sense of community. The conclusion is that social media can be a valuable tool for maintaining relationships.

Correct Answer: Social media can be a valuable tool for maintaining relationships.

The Power of Practice: Honing Your Skills

Like any skill, identifying the conclusion requires consistent practice. Work through numerous LSAT Logical Reasoning questions, focusing specifically on identifying the main conclusion. Analyze your mistakes and identify any patterns in your errors. Over time, you'll develop a keen eye for spotting the conclusion and improve your overall LSAT performance.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

As you become more proficient, explore advanced techniques to further refine your skills:

• Diagramming Arguments: Visualizing the structure of an argument can help you identify the relationships between premises and the conclusion.
• Recognizing Different Argument Structures: Familiarize yourself with common argument structures, such as causal arguments, arguments by analogy, and arguments from authority.
• Understanding Logical Fallacies: Recognizing common logical fallacies can help you identify flawed arguments and better understand the author's intent.

Conclusion: Mastering the Foundation

Identifying the conclusion is a foundational skill for LSAT Logical Reasoning success. By understanding the components of an argument, employing effective strategies, avoiding common traps, and practicing consistently, you can master this crucial skill and unlock your full potential on the LSAT. Remember to focus on the author's intent, analyze the relationship between premises and the conclusion, and always ask yourself, "What is the author trying to convince me of?" With dedication and practice, you'll be well on your way to acing the Logical Reasoning section.