Lesson 4.3: Strengthen Questions

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore Strengthen Questions, a vital part of Logical Reasoning on the LSAT. Strengthen Questions ask you to identify the choice that provides the best support for an argument. The underlying concept is to close a logical gap in the argument, enhancing its overall strength. By mastering these questions, you will develop a keen sense of what an argument needs to become more robust.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how to select the choice that most supports the argument by closing the gap.
2. Learn to avoid choices that merely restate a premise or are irrelevant to the argument.
3. Analyze an argument to predict the kind of support it needs.
4. Choose the answer that provides the greatest strengthening effect, even if it is partial.
5. Explain important ideas and terminology related to Strengthen Questions.

Understanding Strengthen Questions

Strengthen Questions typically present an argument followed by answer choices. The challenge is to select an answer that enhances the argument's validity. To approach these questions effectively, it is crucial to first identify the logical gap in the argument. The logical gap is the point at which the argument is weakest. Strengthening the argument involves providing additional evidence or reasoning that fills this gap.

Key Concepts

• Logical Gap: The deficiency in the argument that needs support.
• Strengthening Effect: The impact that a choice has on making an argument more convincing.
• Relevance: How closely a choice relates to the argument’s premises.
• Restatement: Answer choices that simply repeat premises without adding value.

Analyzing an Argument

Before jumping into answer choices, take a moment to analyze the argument. Here is a step-by-step process to dissect it effectively:

1. Identify the conclusion: What is the author trying to prove?
2. Examine the premises: What evidence is provided to support the conclusion?
3. Locate the logical gap: Where does the argument falter? What assumptions are made without support?

Worked Example 1

Argument: The city has seen a decline in crime rates ever since the new mayor took office. Therefore, the new mayor must be responsible for the decrease in crime.

Analysis:

• Conclusion: The new mayor is responsible for the decline in crime rates.
• Premises: Crime rates have decreased, and the new mayor took office.
• Logical Gap: The argument assumes that the new mayor's office is the cause of the crime decrease. Other factors could also contribute.

Answer Choices:

1. The crime rate decreased in the neighboring cities as well.
2. The new mayor implemented several community programs aimed at reducing crime.
3. The new mayor was elected due to public dissatisfaction with the previous administration.
4. The crime decrease is the largest in neighborhoods with existing community programs.

Correct Answer: Choice 2 is correct because it provides a possible causal link between the new mayor's actions and the decrease in crime, which addresses the logical gap.

Common Misconceptions

A common mistake is selecting answer choices that simply restate a premise. Always ensure that the answer provides new information or a different perspective that directly links the premises to the conclusion.

Choosing the Best Support

When considering which choice best strengthens the argument, prioritize those that directly contribute to closing the logical gap. Even if an answer offers partial support, it may still be the best option among the choices provided. Look for details that add credibility or additional evidence to the argument.

Worked Example 2

Argument: Successful companies often have strong leadership. Therefore, for a company to succeed, it must have a strong leader.

Analysis:

• Conclusion: A company must have a strong leader to be successful.
• Premises: Successful companies have strong leadership.
• Logical Gap: The argument does not consider that other factors could contribute to a company's success.

Answer Choices:

1. Many successful companies grew after changing their leadership.
2. Strong leadership can lead to successful decision-making.
3. Several industries have different indicators of success that do not involve leadership.
4. Companies can fail due to lack of resources, regardless of leadership quality.

Correct Answer: Choice 2 strengthens the argument by suggesting that strong leadership contributes to decision-making, which is necessary for success. Choices 3 and 4 indicate external factors that do not strengthen the conclusion.

Strategies for Success

1. Practice identifying logical gaps: Regularly analyze arguments to pinpoint logical weaknesses.
2. Familiarize yourself with common indicators of strength: Understand what kind of information typically fortifies arguments.
3. Evaluate each answer thoroughly: Ensure that your chosen answer directly addresses the argument's weakness without merely repeating premises.

Conclusion

Strengthen Questions require you to enhance arguments by addressing logical gaps effectively. By identifying these gaps and choosing answers that support the argument logically and meaningfully, you will improve your performance on the LSAT. Remember to analyze arguments critically and avoid choices that do not contribute to the strengthening process.

Study Notes

• To strengthen an argument, identify logical gaps.
• Look for answers that provide new supporting information.
• Avoid choices that only repeat premises or are irrelevant.
• The best choice may still partially strengthen the argument.
• Constant practice and analysis improve your ability to tackle Strengthen Questions.