Logical Reasoning Help Needed Forum

[washin34]

Test 36 section 1 question 21. I am having a terrible time with these type problems. (parallel reasoning) How is it possible that "A" is the correct answer? Please help me. If you have ANY strategy for these types of problems, that would help me as well. Thanks!

[unattended bag]

I haven't read the question, but a general strategy for parallel reasoning is to first look at the conclusion. For example, If the conclusion is "something does not happen", then rule out every answer choice where the conclusion is that something does happen. You should be able to eliminate at least 2-3 answers by doing this. After that, if the correct answer doesn't jump out at you, look at the evidence that supports the conclusion in the stimulus (premises). The correct answer should have premises that are structured in the same way.

[Atlas LSAT Teacher]

For these questions, your first job is to identify the flaw. Don't worry about the content, look for the underlying issue. Here, the argument is flaws in that it's not true that if a portrait is not accurate, that one cannot make a good reproduction of that painting. One could make a perfect replica of that flawed painting.

(A) has that same flaw - just because the original was flawed, doesn't mean that a reproduction of it has to be of bad quality.

Does that make sense?

[Atlas LSAT Teacher]

P.S. Here's a fuller explanation: http://www.atlaslsat.com/forums/preptes ... r-f99.html

[Audio Technica Guy]

I haven't read the question, but a general strategy for parallel reasoning is to first look at the conclusion. For example, If the conclusion is "something does not happen", then rule out every answer choice where the conclusion is that something does happen. You should be able to eliminate at least 2-3 answers by doing this.

This doesn't always work. Occasionally the correct answer is a perfect mirror image. For example, if the original argument was essentially:

Premise: ~A --> B
Premise: ~B
Conclusion: A

The correct answer could work like:

Premise: C --> ~D
Premise: D
Conclusion: ~C

[Audio Technica Guy]

Your biggest issue is that this isn't a parallel question, its a parallel flaw question. The structure can match, but doesn't have to. Mostly you have to identify the flaw in your own words and then with the answer choices ask yourself "does this have X flaw?"

This Q type mostly comes down to accurately being able to find flaws. In fact it's the only question type that you actually MUST find the flaw. (you actually don't have to find the flaw to correctly answer a flaw question, oddly enough).

[washin34]

Thanks guys. It makes perfect sense now.