How to solve LSAT Necessary Assumption Questions like a boss

We’re back at it again! Today we’re going to put a very useful tool in your tool belt. I’d like to introduce you to The Negation Test and it’s ability to help you master Necessary Assumption Questions. As the name implies, the test works by having you negate each of the answer choices you’re given. The correct answer choice is the one that when negated, renders the argument invalid. In other words, the argument can’t be valid if the necessary assumption isn’t true.

Practically speaking, how do we put this to tool to good use? When reading each answer choices, ask yourself “Does this need to be true for the evidence to require the conclusion?” If the answer could not be true, but the conclusion still works, then this IS NOT the answer. If when the answer isn’t true, then the conclusion can’t be true either, and you’ve got your answer. Again, the correct answer HAS to be true in order for the argument to work. Now, when you’re doing this, there is a very easy trap to fall into: polar opposites vs. logical opposites. Polar Opposites are things like taking the opposite of “all people are standing” to be “no people are standing.” This is the extreme opposite case and is not what we want. Logical Opposites are things like taking the opposite of “all people are standing” to be “not all people are standing.” A logical opposite is simply what it would take to make the first statement untrue. In this case, all we need is one person to not be standing for the first statement to be false. If you get those down, then you are on the right track! And if you’re ready for something harder, try out negating conditional statements in answer choices. That’s one of the hardest LSAT things there is. Keep it up! Steve “LSAT Decoder” Schwartz P.S. Next time, we’re going to get into some nice, bite-sized material about some easy, yet effective tips and tricks for tackling Logical Reasoning. Specifically, lists. Because who doesn’t love lists? Recommended Resources: 1. LSAT Courses The best of my LSAT material with exclusive access to attend my Live Online LSAT Master Classes + Q&As, and on-demand video lessons you can watch anytime. Plus, LSAT study plans to keep you on track. Save hundreds of dollars with an LSAT course package. 2. Logical Reasoning Explanations The explanations that should have come with the LSAT. These don't just fall back on "out of scope," but actually tell you why the wrong answers are wrong, why the right answers are right, and the easiest way to get the correct answer. 3. Logical Reasoning Cheat Sheet Based on what I'd typically do in college: read what the professor emphasized and condense it all onto a single piece of paper. It gave me a quick reference, making things a lot less threatening and a lot more manageable.

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