30 cardsLNAT
LNAT Argument Analysis Terms
Thirty flashcards on the language of argument: premises, conclusions, assumptions, inference, and the question types that appear in LNAT-style multiple choice. Study material written for practice.
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Terms in this deck (30)
1
Premise
A statement offered as a reason to accept a conclusion. Premises can be stated or unstated.
2
Conclusion
The claim an argument is trying to establish. Indicator words include 'therefore', 'hence' and 'it follows that'.
3
Main conclusion vs intermediate conclusion
The main conclusion is the final claim of the whole argument; an intermediate conclusion is supported by premises and then used as a premise for the next step.
4
Assumption (unstated premise)
A claim the argument needs in order to work but does not state. Test: if the assumption were false, would the argument collapse?
5
Inference
A step of reasoning from what is said to what must be, or is likely to be, true. An inference goes beyond the text but is supported by it.
6
Implication
What follows from a statement or position, even if the author does not say so.
7
Necessary condition
Something that must be true for an outcome to occur. 'Only if' signals one. Being necessary does not guarantee the outcome.
8
Sufficient condition
Something that, if true, guarantees the outcome. 'If' signals one. The outcome can still occur without it.
9
Counter-argument
A reply that gives reasons against an opposing claim. Good passages often state an objection and then answer it.
10
Concession
Admitting a point on the other side. Words such as 'admittedly', 'it is true that' and 'there is something in this' often signal it.
11
Strengthening an argument
Adding evidence or a premise that makes the conclusion more likely, often by supporting an assumption the argument relies on.
12
Weakening an argument
Showing that an assumption is false, offering an alternative explanation, or showing a premise is irrelevant or unreliable.
13
Correlation versus causation
Two things occurring together does not show one causes the other: the link may be reversed, due to a third factor, or coincidence.
14
Analogy
An argument that two cases are alike in a relevant way, so what is true of one is true of the other. It fails if the cases differ in an important respect.
15
Counter-example
A single case that contradicts a general claim. One genuine counter-example is enough to show a universal claim ('all', 'never') is false.
16
Generalisation
A claim about a whole group drawn from some of its members. It is weak if the sample is small or unrepresentative.
17
Reductio ad absurdum
Showing that a claim must be rejected because it leads to an absurd or unacceptable consequence.
18
'Proves too much'
A criticism that if an argument were sound it would also justify conclusions nobody accepts, so the reasoning must be flawed.
19
Presumption and burden of proof
A presumption is the position accepted until challenged; the burden of proof lies on whoever wants to overturn it.
20
False dichotomy
Presenting two options as the only ones when others exist. The author often rejects it with phrases such as 'this is a false choice'.
21
Hedging
Qualifying a claim with words such as 'may', 'often' or 'tends to'. Options that turn a hedged claim into 'always' or 'never' are usually wrong.
22
Extreme words in options
'Always', 'never', 'all', 'only' and 'entirely' make a statement much harder to support from a passage. Check whether the text really goes that far.
23
Main point questions
Ask for the overall conclusion. Wrong options usually pick a supporting detail, an example or a point the author rejects.
24
Inference questions
Ask what must or is likely to follow. The right answer is supported by the text, not merely consistent with it.
25
Function of a sentence or example
Ask what a part of the passage is doing: giving evidence, conceding, illustrating, rebutting or introducing a new point. Describe its role, not its content.
26
Author's attitude or tone
Judge from word choice. Qualified words signal measured views; strong or ironic words signal criticism. Avoid options more extreme than the text.
27
Parallel reasoning
Matching the logical form of one argument with another on a different topic. Ignore the subject matter and compare the structure.
28
Burden of the question stem
Read the stem first: 'according to the passage', 'implied' and 'the author would agree' call for different levels of support from the text.
29
Section A format (LNAT)
42 multiple-choice questions on 12 argumentative passages, with 95 minutes allowed. Each correct answer earns one mark and nothing is deducted for a wrong answer.
30
Time management in Section A
With 95 minutes for 42 questions, allow roughly two minutes per question on average. Do not stay too long on one hard item; answers can be reviewed during the section.
LNAT in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, LNAT is part of: University entry tests.
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