Argument Component Identification Flashcards
7 cards from real LNAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Argument Component Identification flashcards as text
The phrase 'this shows that' in an LNAT passage most likely introduces which argument component?
Answer: A conclusion
'This shows that' is a conclusion indicator, signaling that what follows is being inferred from what preceded it.
Examine: 'Smoking causes cancer. Cancer is often fatal. Yet millions continue to smoke.' What is the function of the third sentence?
Answer: It introduces a puzzling fact that the argument may seek to explain or challenge.
The third sentence introduces a tension or puzzle — millions smoke despite the known risks — which the argument may then try to explain, rather than being a premise or conclusion itself.
Which of the following is the best definition of a 'counter-argument' within an LNAT passage?
Answer: An objection or opposing claim that the author addresses, either by conceding or rebutting it
A counter-argument is an opposing claim or objection the author engages with — the author may concede it, refute it, or qualify their own position in response.
In the argument 'Every law restricts freedom. Therefore, every law is oppressive,' what hidden assumption is the argument relying on?
Answer: Any restriction on freedom is automatically oppressive.
The argument assumes that any restriction on freedom constitutes oppression — without this assumption the conclusion does not follow from the premise.
An argument contains: Sentence A (general principle), Sentence B (specific case), Sentence C (conclusion about that case). This structure is best described as:
Answer: Deductive application of a principle to a case
Applying a general principle to a specific case to derive a conclusion about that case is the classic structure of deductive reasoning.
Which statement about 'background information' in an LNAT argument is accurate?
Answer: Background information provides context but may not directly support the conclusion.
Background information sets the scene or provides context for the argument but does not necessarily serve as logical support for the conclusion — it is distinct from a premise.
Passage: 'Raising the minimum wage will reduce poverty. Poverty reduction lowers crime. We should therefore raise the minimum wage.' A critic argues the first premise is false. If true, what happens to the argument?
Answer: The argument loses one of its supporting premises, undermining but not necessarily disproving the conclusion.
If a premise is shown to be false, the argument is weakened because it loses that supporting reason, but the conclusion could still be true on other grounds.