Introduction
The LSAT is a test where precision is crucial, especially when it comes to logical reasoning. The term consequence might seem familiar, but in the context of the LSAT, it has a very specific and neutral meaning. In this guide, we’ll explore the LSAT definition of consequence, how it differs from everyday use, and strategies to help you correctly answer questions involving this term.
What is a Consequence?
In everyday language, the word consequence often carries a negative connotation, like the result of making a bad decision. However, in the world of the LSAT, the consequence is completely neutral. It refers to something that must be true based on the premises provided.
Definition of Consequence on the LSAT:
A consequence is a valid conclusion that follows logically from the given facts or premises. It’s synonymous with something that must be true or a valid inference.
For example, if the stimulus says, “All dogs are animals,” then a valid consequence is that any individual dog you encounter is an animal. This statement is necessarily true, without any doubt or assumption.
Consequence in LSAT Logical Reasoning
Consequence questions appear frequently in the Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT. These questions might ask:
- “What consequence can be drawn from the information above?”
- “Which of the following is a valid consequence of the argument?”
In these questions, you are tasked with identifying the conclusion or fact that logically follows from the premises. The important thing to remember is that a consequence is always certain—there is no room for interpretation or likelihood. It must follow directly from the information provided, which is why understanding this definition is essential to scoring well on these questions.
How to Identify Valid Consequences
To identify valid consequences on the LSAT, follow these steps:
- Understand the Premises: Before jumping to conclusions, make sure you fully understand the facts or premises provided. Re-read the stimulus if necessary to ensure clarity.
- Look for Certainty: Remember, a valid consequence must be true. Eliminate any answer choices that introduce new information or rely on probabilities.
- Use Deductive Reasoning: Consider how the facts lead to specific outcomes. For example, if a premise says “All A are B,” then a valid consequence is “Any A you encounter must be B.”
Bolded Example: If the premise says, “All cats are mammals,” you can confidently infer that any specific cat must be a mammal. However, you cannot infer that all mammals are cats—this would be a logical fallacy.
Common Pitfalls in Consequence Questions
When tackling LSAT consequence questions, students often make these common mistakes:
- Jumping to Assumptions: Just because something seems likely does not mean it’s a valid consequence. On the LSAT, an answer must be 100% true based on the information given.
- Overlooking Details: Tiny details, like qualifiers such as “some” or “all,” can drastically change the meaning of a premise. Pay close attention to these key terms.
Bringing in Outside Knowledge: Your personal knowledge of the real world should never influence your answer. Stick to the facts presented in the stimulus and nothing else.
Strategies for Answering Consequence Questions
Mastering consequence questions on the LSAT requires a methodical approach. Use these strategies to improve your accuracy:
- Restate the Premises: Paraphrasing the premises in your own words can help clarify what is being stated and reveal the logical outcome.
- Eliminate Extreme Choices: Answer choices that make extreme claims, such as “never” or “always,” are often incorrect because they go beyond the logical scope of the premises.
Use Process of Elimination: If an answer choice introduces new information or seems to require a leap in reasoning, cross it out. Only a conclusion that logically follows from the premises is a valid consequence.
Conclusion: Mastering LSAT Consequence Questions
Understanding the neutral, logical nature of consequences on the LSAT is vital for tackling Logical Reasoning questions. By focusing on what must be true and avoiding assumptions or outside knowledge, you can significantly improve your ability to answer consequence questions correctly.
Ready to sharpen your LSAT skills even further? Join Odyssey Test Prep for expert coaching and personalized strategies that can help you ace the LSAT!