Introduction
The LSAT’s inference questions can be some of the toughest, testing your logical reasoning to the fullest. In this guide, we’ll clarify what an inference is on the LSAT, how it functions in the test, and provide strategies to master these challenging questions.
What is an Inference?
An inference, in everyday language, often means an educated guess or something that is probably true. However, on the LSAT, the meaning is much stricter. According to LSAT standards, an inference must be 100% true based on the information provided.
“An inference is a conclusion that must be true based solely on the premises given in the stimulus.”
This means there is no room for assumptions or speculation; it’s about valid conclusions only. You can think of an inference as something that is a logical consequence of the facts provided—nothing more, nothing less.
How Inferences Are Used on the LSAT
Inference questions appear in both the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections of the LSAT. They challenge you to determine what must be true based on a set of premises or facts. These questions might use language like:
- “Which of the following can be properly inferred from the information above?”
- “What must be true based on the passage?”
Understanding that inferences must be definitive is crucial to avoiding the common trap of choosing an answer that seems probable but isn’t 100% supported by the text.
Common Mistakes in LSAT Inference Questions
Many test-takers fall into traps when answering inference questions because they misinterpret the meaning of an inference on the LSAT. Here are some common mistakes:
- Assuming Likelihood: Just because something seems likely based on the given information doesn’t mean it’s a valid inference. On the LSAT, you must be able to say with certainty that the inference is true.
- Overlooking Key Words: Phrases like “some,” “all,” “must,” and “could” can make a significant difference in understanding the premises. Be mindful of these qualifiers.
- Relying on Outside Knowledge: Your outside knowledge or real-world understanding shouldn’t influence your decision-making. Stick to the information provided in the stimulus.
Bold Example: If the stimulus says, “All cats are mammals,” you can properly infer that any individual cat is a mammal. However, you cannot infer that all mammals are cats—a common misstep in logic.
Strategies for Answering Inference Questions
To successfully tackle LSAT inference questions, follow these strategies:
- Paraphrase the Stimulus: After reading the stimulus, summarize the key facts in your own words. This can help clarify what the premises are and eliminate irrelevant details.
- Look for Certainties: Focus on what must be true, not what could be true. Avoid answers that introduce new information or are only likely true.
Eliminate Extreme Answers: Inference questions often include trap answers that use extreme language, such as “always” or “never.” These are usually wrong because they make claims that go beyond the premises.
LSAT Inference Practice: Common Traps and Sample Questions
Now that you understand how inference works on the LSAT, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Below are a few sample LSAT inference questions to try:
- Stimulus: All dogs are friendly. Some animals are not friendly.
Question: What can be inferred from the above statement?
Answer Choices:
a. Some dogs are not friendly.
b. Some animals are not dogs.
c. All friendly animals are dogs.
d. Some animals that are not dogs are not friendly.
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: Based on the premises, we can infer that some animals are not dogs since not all animals are friendly, but we cannot make any claims about dogs being unfriendly.
Conclusion: Master Inference Questions to Ace the LSAT
Understanding inference on the LSAT is key to scoring well on Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections. Always remember that LSAT inferences are not educated guesses—they are conclusions that must be 100% true. By practicing the strategies outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll significantly improve your performance on LSAT inference questions.
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