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Step 2: Understand the Argument

This page outlines the 2nd step of solving Reasoning questions: understanding the argument.

There are two aspects to understanding:

  1. Break down the argument to distinguish the facts from the conclusion.
  2. Boil down the argument to the essential point, without changing it.

Breaking down an argument reveals its fundamental structure, then boiling it down helps you grasp what it actually means.

Break it down

Every argument on the LSAT has two essential parts:

  • some facts, aka the basis/support; and
  • one conclusion, aka the point/claim.

You break down the argument by distinguishing the facts from the conclusion. Breaking down the argument is crucial because, on the LSAT, you must accept that the facts are true. You do not, however, have to accept that the facts support the conclusion.

Learn more: how to dispute validity instead of truth

Structure words, like "so," "because," and "but," are the most efficient and reliable way to tell the facts from the conclusion.

Learn more: how to break down arguments

Boil it down

The LSAT uses bad writing to confuse you. To understand this bad writing, you may need to both translate and simplify the LSAT's sentences.

You boil down arguments to clarify their essential meaning.

Boiling down arguments is risky

While boiling, you can easily change the meaning of the argument.

4 useful techniques for translating bad writing:

  • Find the verb
  • Fill in pronouns
  • Combine synonyms
  • Turn negatives into positives

Learn more: how to boil down arguments

Summary

Primary Skill Secondary Skills
Break down arguments Spot fact, conclusion, and pivot words. Extract clues from the context and antithesis. Don't fight the facts.
Boil down arguments Translate bad writing. Reduce to essentials. Preserve meaning.