Lsat Vocab
March 9, 2017 | Author: Joe Simko | Category: N/A
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indigenous - ---native, originating in a place subjective - ---relating to the mind as the subject of experience paradox - ---seeming contradiction or an actual contradiction anomalous - ---irregular, unusual viscous - ---having a thick consistency, gelatinous ephemeral - ---fleeting, or short life or duration corroborate - ---to confirm or make certain implicit - ---implied, tacitly understood lucid - ---clear, understandable prodigal - ---foolishly generous, not thrifty feign - ---to pretend specious - ---having the deceptive look of truth arbitrary - ---random, capricious, impartial intrepid - ---bold, fearless antagonism - ---hostility, enmity antipathy - ---strong feeling against, dislike for dogma - ---firmly held disbelief pertinent - ---clearly relevant variance - ---difference, disagreement incompatible - ---not well matched, unsuited isolate - ---to separate and make alone or single sever - ---to cut off completely synthesis - ---the combination of diverse elements into one engender - ---to create, foster discrete - ---distinct, separate disperse - ---to spread out eccentric - ---unusual, strange redundant - ---repetitive, and thus unnecessary precursor - ---a necessary predecessor defer - ---to postpone or to submit to another
catalyst - ---a thing that sets another in motion or causes change disarm - ---to deprive of weapons or to win over, ingratiate prone - ---inclined, or the position of lying face down profound - ---deep, thoughtful torque - ---rotational force, twist digress - ---to move away from diverge - ---to go apart in different directions tangential - ---peripheral, no on the subject at hand porous - ---having pores, having minute holes plummet - ---to fall suddenly circumlocution - ---excessive speaking, wordiness perturb - ---to disquiet, upset opaque - ---not transparent, not letting light through impenetrable - ---unable to penetrate, pierced desiccate - ---to dry out, dehydrate phenomenon - ---an occurrence tacit - ---unspoken yet understood whimsy - ---caprice, a playful thing abstract - ---theoretical or to summarize or a summary inherent - ---in the essential nature of a thing dubious - ---doubtful, questionable platitude - ---a trite saying, bromide fallacy - ---a logical flaw, mistake demur - ---to hesitate, protest assert - ---to state without need of proof refute - ---to disprove, to argue against inquisitive - ---curious, seeking knowledge mundane - ---everything, pedestrain coherent - ---intelligible, consistent equivocal - ---wavering, vacillating
harangue - ---long, complaining speech jargon - ---specialized vocabulary succinct - ---concise, stating in few words diffuse - ---to spread thinly, or scattered articulate - ---well- spoken, intelligible, speak clearly and distinctly garrulous - ---extremely talkative orate - ---to make a speech, esp. pompously laconic - ---few words, reticent obscure - ---to hide or hidden, vague, not easily understood chicanery - ---flim-flam, trickery furtive - ---secret, sneaky volatile - ---unstable, likely to explode or vaporize extemporize - ---to speak spontaneously zealot - ---one who has great enthusiasm esp for a cause espouse - ---to take to oneself, to adopt a belief provocative - ---tending to simulate superfluous - ---excess, extra expend - ---to use up malevolent - ---evil, having evil intent paragon - ---an ideal, perfect model nullify - ---negate, make invalid consummate - ---complete, accomplish, perfect, to a high degree arduous - ---difficult, strenuous felicity - ---happiness, pleasantness prodigy - ---very talented child guile - ---cunning, trickery ingenious - ---extremely clever, original imperative - ---necessary, immediately important constrain - ---restrict, confine suppress - ---keep secret, contain, inhibit
capitulate - ---give in, surrender obsequious - ---sycophantic-flatter, fawning placate - ---please, pacify affluent - ---wealthy zeal - ---fanatical enthusiasm inhibit - ---restrain, forbid plasticity - ---malleability, stretchiness cynic - ---one who has an attitude of contempt, distrust bolster - ---support resolute - ---determined, faithful connoisseur - ---one who appreciates fine things decorous - ---in good taste, very proper euphemism - ---mild word or phrase substituted for an offensive one pedantic - ---overly scholarly bombast - ---pompous speech arrogant - ---overbearing, proud misanthrope - ---one who hates humanity jeer - ---taunt, deride disingenuous - ---seemingly honest while not being so propriety - ---appropriateness, social acceptability heretic - ---one who holds unorthodox or unapproved beliefs authentic - ---genuine, trustworthy eradicate - ---to eliminate completely gist - ---general meeting, essence objective - ---empirically provable, existing independently affiliation - ---connecting, association apposite - ---relevant, to the point antithesis - ---direct opposite heterogeneous - ---mixed, made up of unlike elements stereotype - ---generalized judgment of a group
paradigm - ---model, theoretical framework precedent - ---earlier example setting a rule conform - ---adapt or compliant with correspond - ---to match, to conform, to parallel dissent - ---to disagree nuance - ---slight distinction negligible - ---insignificant, not to be considered trivial - ---minor, not important subordinate - ---depending on, subservient depletion - ---lessening alloy - ---mixture esp of metal eclectic - ---having varying elements convoluted - ---intricate, coiled, twisted inextricable - ---not able to be untangled labyrinth - ---maze multifarious - ---diverse, of great variety consolidate - ---to join together, merge component - ---essential element shard - ---fragment esp glass or pottery comprehensive - ---all inclusive pervasive - ---throughout, in every part plethora - ---multiplicity, excessive amount fracas - ---riot, flight gratuitous - ---uncalled for, not warranted pandemonium - ---noisy chaos, bedlam sporadic - ---occasional, infrequent prologue - ---introductory passage incipient - ---beginning, budding definitive - ---authoritative nexus - ---connection, center
sequential - ---in order, arranged serially conflate - ---to blend together, esp a text quorum - ---number of members of a governing body necessary in order to proceed troupe - ---group of performers intrinsic - ---essential nature of a thing orthodox - ---adhering to a strict set of beliefs maverick - ---intrepid person, innovator aberrant - ---deviating from the norm enumerate - ---to count fusion - ---merging of diverse parts into a whole dichotomy - ---separation into two parts anachronism - ---a thing or person out of place in time fledging - ---young, inexperienced exigent - ---needing swift action inopportune - ---not timely, inappropriate alacrity - ---promptness, eagerness adjourn - ---to suspend, as a meeting prevalent - ---common, frequent stasis - ---stagnation, equilibrium labile - ---unstable, open to change equilibrium - ---state of balance riveting - ---commanding full attention, fascinating cessation - ---stoppage, ceasing relinquish - ---to let go of, give up renegade - ---an outlaw, one who is unconventional supersede - ---to supplant reciprocate - ---to give and take, to return, to pay back crusade - ---a zealous campaign for a cause seminal - ---original or relating to seed or semen endow - ---to grant, as a gift
nugatory - ---negligible, having no effect unassailable - ---not questionable, not doubtable flaccid - ---limp, drooping dynamic - ---in motion viable - ---capable of living, capable of working proliferate - ---multiply, procreate fallow - ---barren, not cultivated or sown fabricate - ---to create incubation - ---period of gestation susceptible - ---prone to, open to propensity - ---inclination collaborate - ---to work together, cooperate connive - ---to conspire, to be in secret sympathy with synchronous - ---at the same time recalcitrant - ---stubborn, defiant bucolic - ---pastoral, relating to country life ubiquitous - ---everywhere, in all places acculturate - ---to adapt to a culture colossus - ---giant statue, very large thing dimension - ---property of space, as in height, width, depth burgeon - ---to bloom, flourish contigeous - ---adjacent with, borders touching rift - ---a gap or fissure recapitulate - ---to repeat, sum up tenuous - ---not solid, weak nadir - ---low point, point opposite the zenith rudimentary - ---basic recumbent - ---lying down, resting buttress - ---supporting piece of a structure, strengthen, support transpose - ---change from one place to mode to another
facade - ---false front peripheral - ---outside, surrounding, auxiliary nucleate - ---to cluster, to form a nucleus strata - ---layer lateral - ---sideways, on the side amorphous - ---without shape, unclassifiable ellipse - ---oval tortuous - ---twisting, winding, tricky obtuse - ---difficult to understand, unable to understand, stupid striate - ---to stripe constrict - ---to compress, constract occlude - ---to obstruct, block up dormant - ---asleep, inactive halcyon - ---happy, prosperous, peaceful placid - ---quiet, calm stagnant - ---stale, foul, motionless accelerate - ---speed up precipitate - ---sudden or steep, rain, snow, to bring about suddenly saunter - ---to walk in an easygoing swagger amble - ---walk leisurely reconnaissance - ---survey, esp military action pulverize - ---smash into dust avert - ---turn away, avoid errant - ---wandering, traveling converge - ---come together, merge egress - ---exit lactate - ---to produce milk secrete - ---give off or to hide welter - ---chaotic mess cyclical - ---periodic and repeating
tepid - ---lukewarm, room temperature pigment - ---coloring element in paint spectrum - ---range of all colors, complete range florid - ---flowery or reddish iridescent - ---having shiny rainbow colors, shimmery mosaic - ---picture made of many small parts such as tiles pied - ---multi- colored and blotchy stipple - ---speckle or fleck esp with paint, effect of many small dots transcendental - ---abstract, supernatural impalpable - ---not physical, not able to be touched monolith - ---a single, huge structure, or a large organization acting as one force hydrate - ---add water emollient - ---lotion that moisturizes ferrous - ---with iron turbid - ---muddy, obscurd arid - ---dry aerate - ---to supply or combine with oxygen or air resuscitate - ---to revive, renew carrion - ---animal remains demise - ---death, cessation vapid - ---uninteresting, without liveliness cloying - ---sweet, sentimental pungent - ---strong tasting or smelling redolent - ---aromatic, having an odor ostensible - ---apparent, under pretext discord - ---argument, strife fatuous - ---foolish, silly inane - ---silly, empty-headed ludicrous - ---ridiculous, absurd dilettante - ---amateur, dabbler
cogitate - ---to think hard, ponder forage - ---look for food peruse - ---study thoroughly perspicacious - ---keen, mentally sharp doctrine - ---creed, belief naivete - ---unsophisticatedness, artlessness belie - ---contradict, give false cover to implausible - ---not believable pontifical - ---like a pontiff, pope, extremely authoritative falter - ---stumble, hesitate relic - ---remnant, souvenir, venerated object juggernaut - ---large vehicle that crushes anything in its path proscribe - ---condemn, forbid censure - ---disapprove, condemn, disapproval, condemnation impunity - ---without fear of punishment indictment - ---formal charge against a person gourmand - ---one who likes to eat alot ascetic - ---austere, disciplined hedonist - ---one who lives for pleasure profligate - ---extravagent, prodigal obdurate - ---stubborn, unfeeling altruism - ---unselfish behavior quisling - ---traitor veracity - ---truthfulness probity - ---honesty candor - ---straightforwardness, sincerity artlessness - ---crudeness, naturalness vituperate - ---scold with excessively harsh language tirade - ---long, harsh, highly critical speech reprobate - ---depraved, condemned
culpable - ---deserving of blame castigate - ---scold severely countenance - ---face, expression or allow to happen approbation - ---praise, approval adulation - ---admiration travesty - ---mockery, parody derision - ---scorning, ridicule vindictive - ---vengeful, spiteful truculent - ---ferocious, extremely harsh affable - ---friendly, pleasant urbane - ---sophisticated, wordly lionize - ---make much of aggrandize - ---praise greatly, make seem greater effrontery - ---boldness grandiloquent - ---having high sounding speech spurious - ---false, fradulent timorous - ---timid, fearful redoubtable - ---formidable, illustrious aesthetic - ---artistic, relating to beauty unprepossessing - ---homely, plain tentative - ---hesitantm, uncertain discreet - ---having good judgment, prudent daunt - ---subdue or tame solicitude - ---over-attentive care, anxiety disquiet - ---disturb or upset commodious - ---having ample space exacerbate - ---aggravate, make worse contrite - ---sorry, repentant levity - ---lightness, good humor querulous - ---complaining, whining
pique - ---offense, resentment, provoke or excite intuitive - ---known through immediate insight not gained through rational thought sybil - ---witch meticulous - ---extremely careful, fastidious prescience - ---ability to foretell events intelligible - ---understandable, comprehensible limpid - ---clear, serene, transparent` inadvertence - ---oversight, unwillingness concede - ---to yield, grant retract - ---take back, recant ideology - ---set of beliefs temperament - ---disposition, sensibility peer - ---equal chauvinist - ---extreme patriot, one who believes one group is superior to another contend - ---fight with, oppose scruple - ---have moral qualms about, moral principle concur - ---agree prattle - ---babble, as a child oblivious - ---unknowing, unheeding arcane - ---secret, esoteric conundrum - ---riddle, puzzle allusive - ---referring to or hinting t something esp in literature elucidate - ---make clear, explain flagrant - ---bold, open, apparent salient - ---noticeable, prominent erudition - ---knowledge, esp gained from books proctor - ---one who supervises students at an exam charade - ---pretense hallmark - ---distinguishing mark vestige - ---remnant, trace
tapestry - ---decorative wall hanging vernacular - ---common speech, ordinary language concise - ---exact terse - ---short, curt circuitous - ---round-about, indirect superfluity - ---excess verbiage - ---excessive wordiness gregarious - ---outgoing, friendly loquacioius - ---extremely talkative and articulate prate - ---chatter, talk meaninglessly voluble - ---fluent, talkative discourse - ---conversation, long paper or speech on a subject runic - ---like runes, mysterious, secret reticent - ---not talkative cryptic - ---encoded, secret, indecipherable esoteric - ---hidden, available only to the initiate eclipse - ---overshadowing, esp sun or moon latent - ---potential, hidden quality apocryphal - ---spurious, not genuine dissemble - ---lie prevaricate - ---lie simulate - ---imitate, make seem real hyperbole - ---excessive exaggeration tout - ---solicit or promote seine - ---fishnet amenable - ---agreeable, obediant diffident - ---shy, reserved adamant - ---hard, unyielding, very hard stone implacable - ---not able to be changed intransigent - ---stubborn, uncompromising
obstinate - ---stubborn, unmoving ambivalent - ---uncertain, having conflicting feelings fluctuate - ---vary widely caprice - ---impulsive action, whim fickle - ---changeable, not constant impromptu - ---spontaneous, spur of the moment abscond - ---run away secretly elusive - ---difficult to find or pin down parry - ---fend off, dodge shirk - ---neglect or ignore aspiration - ---hope, ambition, breathing in avarice - ---greed proclivity - ---tendency predestine - ---determined ahead of time instigate - ---urge, incite inveigle - ---acquire through sneakiness piquant - ---spicy, as in hot sauce, stimulating, provocative tantalize - ---tease, give taste of profuse - ---plentiful Amalgamation - ---a combination Analgesic - ---capable of relieving pain Anthropocentrism - ---theory that regards humans as the central element of the universe Avuncular - ---resembling an uncle in kindness or indulgence Bromide - ---a common saying Byzantine - ---highly complex or intricate Cacophony - ---harsh, jarring sound Calumny - ---a false statement intended to harm someone's reputation Canonical - ---authorized or accepted Chicanery - ---the use of tricks to deceive someone
Churlish - ---rude and vulgar Circumlocution - ---an indirect way of expressing something Concomitant - ---existing or occurring at the same time Corpulent - ---excessively fat Cumbersome - ---clumsy, awkward, and heavy Demarcate - ---set, mark, or draw the boundaries of something Disenfranchise - ---to deprive of voting rights Draconian - ---harsh and severe Egalitarian - ---characterized by the belief in equal rights for all people Egregious - ---outrageously bad or offensive Emollient - ---having a softening or soothing effect, especially to the skin Ephemeral - ---lasting a very short time Epistolary - ---relating to letters Erudition - ---knowledge gained from study Exculpate - ---to clear from blame Exegesis - ---an explanation or critical interpretation Flotsam - ---useless discarded items Foible - ---a minor flaw or weakness of character Fomentation - ---a push for trouble or rebellion Foppish - ---affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner Gustatory - ---relating to the sense of taste Halcyon - ---joyful, peaceful, or prosperous Histrionic - ---overly dramatic Ignominious - ---disgraceful and shameful Impious - ---lacking respect or devotion, usually for a god or religion Impute - ---to attribute or credit to Inchoate - ---in the early stages of development Inimical - ---harmful or hostile Insidious - ---intended to entrap, deceive, or harm Invidious - ---intended to hurt, offend or discriminate
Irascible - ---quickly aroused by anger Lexicography - ---the act of writing dictionaries Loquacious - ---extremely talkative Lugubrious - ---excessively mournful, sad and gloomy Malediction - ---a curse Malodorous - ---having an unpleasant smell Melange - ---a mixture Mendicant - ---begging Morass - ---difficult situation Moratorium - ---suspension of an ongoing activity Munificent - ---very generous Myopic - ---lacking long-term vision Nascent - ---being born or beginning Neophyte - ---a beginner Nihilism - ---belief in the rejection of rules and the destruction of social and political order Obfuscate - ---to confuse or make unclear Obstreperous - ---noisy and difficult to control Panacea - ---a cure for all diseases, or a solution to all problems Parsimonious - ---extremely reluctant to spend money Penurious - ---stingy and frugal or extremely poor Perfidious - ---tending to betray Pernicious - ---exceedingly harmful Perquisite - ---a payment or benefit in addition to one's regular pay Picayune - ---small and of little importance Polyglot - ---able to speak, read, or write in many languages Potentate - ---a powerful ruler Progenitor - ---a direct ancestor or originator Proletarian - ---of the working class Proselytize - ---to convert someone to another belief, religion, party, or cause
Pugnacious - ---tending to quarrel or fight easily Punctilious - ---marked by precise accordance with details Quixotic - ---not sensible about practical matters; idealistic and unrealistic Raiment - ---clothes Recalcitrant - ---stubbornly resistant to authority or control Remuneration - ---payment Rhapsodize - ---to talk with great enthusiasm Schism - ---division of a group into opposing factions Sentient - ---experiencing sense perception and consciousness Sibilant - ---having a hissing sound Somnolent - ---sleepy or drowsy Sonorous - ---full and loud and deep, as a sound Sophistry - ---a false argument meant to trick someone Soporific - ---tending to make sleepy or drowsy Specious - ---plausible but false Stevedore - ---a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port Stricture - ---a criticism Stultify - ---to make one appear foolish, stupid, or useless Supercilious - ---having an arrogant appearance Temerity - ---fearless, daring Tinder - ---easily combustible material used for starting a fire Treacly - ---overly sweet or sentimental Truncate - ---shorten by cutting off Turpitude - ---vile, shameful behavior Unctuous - ---unpleasantly and excessively suave Vainglorious - ---feeling excessive self-importance or pride for one's own accomplishment Verisimilitude - ---the appearance of truth, the quality of seeming to be true Vitiate - ---to make imperfect, to corrupt Vitriolic - ---harsh or corrosive in tone
indigenous - ---native, originating in a place subjective - ---relating to the mind as the subject of experience paradox - ---seeming contradiction or an actual contradiction anomalous - ---irregular, unusual viscous - ---having a thick consistency, gelatinous ephemeral - ---fleeting, or short life or duration corroborate - ---to confirm or make certain implicit - ---implied, tacitly understood lucid - ---clear, understandable prodigal - ---foolishly generous, not thrifty feign - ---to pretend specious - ---having the deceptive look of truth arbitrary - ---random, capricious, impartial intrepid - ---bold, fearless antagonism - ---hostility, enmity antipathy - ---strong feeling against, dislike for dogma - ---firmly held disbelief pertinent - ---clearly relevant variance - ---difference, disagreement incompatible - ---not well matched, unsuited isolate - ---to separate and make alone or single sever - ---to cut off completely synthesis - ---the combination of diverse elements into one engender - ---to create, foster discrete - ---distinct, separate disperse - ---to spread out eccentric - ---unusual, strange redundant - ---repetitive, and thus unnecessary precursor - ---a necessary predecessor defer - ---to postpone or to submit to another
catalyst - ---a thing that sets another in motion or causes change disarm - ---to deprive of weapons or to win over, ingratiate prone - ---inclined, or the position of lying face down profound - ---deep, thoughtful torque - ---rotational force, twist digress - ---to move away from diverge - ---to go apart in different directions tangential - ---peripheral, no on the subject at hand porous - ---having pores, having minute holes plummet - ---to fall suddenly circumlocution - ---excessive speaking, wordiness perturb - ---to disquiet, upset opaque - ---not transparent, not letting light through impenetrable - ---unable to penetrate, pierced desiccate - ---to dry out, dehydrate phenomenon - ---an occurrence tacit - ---unspoken yet understood whimsy - ---caprice, a playful thing abstract - ---theoretical or to summarize or a summary inherent - ---in the essential nature of a thing dubious - ---doubtful, questionable platitude - ---a trite saying, bromide fallacy - ---a logical flaw, mistake demur - ---to hesitate, protest assert - ---to state without need of proof refute - ---to disprove, to argue against inquisitive - ---curious, seeking knowledge mundane - ---everything, pedestrain coherent - ---intelligible, consistent equivocal - ---wavering, vacillating
harangue - ---long, complaining speech jargon - ---specialized vocabulary succinct - ---concise, stating in few words diffuse - ---to spread thinly, or scattered articulate - ---well- spoken, intelligible, speak clearly and distinctly garrulous - ---extremely talkative orate - ---to make a speech, esp. pompously laconic - ---few words, reticent obscure - ---to hide or hidden, vague, not easily understood chicanery - ---flim-flam, trickery furtive - ---secret, sneaky volatile - ---unstable, likely to explode or vaporize extemporize - ---to speak spontaneously zealot - ---one who has great enthusiasm esp for a cause espouse - ---to take to oneself, to adopt a belief provocative - ---tending to simulate superfluous - ---excess, extra expend - ---to use up malevolent - ---evil, having evil intent paragon - ---an ideal, perfect model nullify - ---negate, make invalid consummate - ---complete, accomplish, perfect, to a high degree arduous - ---difficult, strenuous felicity - ---happiness, pleasantness prodigy - ---very talented child guile - ---cunning, trickery ingenious - ---extremely clever, original imperative - ---necessary, immediately important constrain - ---restrict, confine suppress - ---keep secret, contain, inhibit
capitulate - ---give in, surrender obsequious - ---sycophantic-flatter, fawning placate - ---please, pacify affluent - ---wealthy zeal - ---fanatical enthusiasm inhibit - ---restrain, forbid plasticity - ---malleability, stretchiness cynic - ---one who has an attitude of contempt, distrust bolster - ---support resolute - ---determined, faithful connoisseur - ---one who appreciates fine things decorous - ---in good taste, very proper euphemism - ---mild word or phrase substituted for an offensive one pedantic - ---overly scholarly bombast - ---pompous speech arrogant - ---overbearing, proud misanthrope - ---one who hates humanity jeer - ---taunt, deride disingenuous - ---seemingly honest while not being so propriety - ---appropriateness, social acceptability heretic - ---one who holds unorthodox or unapproved beliefs authentic - ---genuine, trustworthy eradicate - ---to eliminate completely gist - ---general meeting, essence objective - ---empirically provable, existing independently affiliation - ---connecting, association apposite - ---relevant, to the point antithesis - ---direct opposite heterogeneous - ---mixed, made up of unlike elements stereotype - ---generalized judgment of a group
paradigm - ---model, theoretical framework precedent - ---earlier example setting a rule conform - ---adapt or compliant with correspond - ---to match, to conform, to parallel dissent - ---to disagree nuance - ---slight distinction negligible - ---insignificant, not to be considered trivial - ---minor, not important subordinate - ---depending on, subservient depletion - ---lessening alloy - ---mixture esp of metal eclectic - ---having varying elements convoluted - ---intricate, coiled, twisted inextricable - ---not able to be untangled labyrinth - ---maze multifarious - ---diverse, of great variety consolidate - ---to join together, merge component - ---essential element shard - ---fragment esp glass or pottery comprehensive - ---all inclusive pervasive - ---throughout, in every part plethora - ---multiplicity, excessive amount fracas - ---riot, flight gratuitous - ---uncalled for, not warranted pandemonium - ---noisy chaos, bedlam sporadic - ---occasional, infrequent prologue - ---introductory passage incipient - ---beginning, budding definitive - ---authoritative nexus - ---connection, center
sequential - ---in order, arranged serially conflate - ---to blend together, esp a text quorum - ---number of members of a governing body necessary in order to proceed troupe - ---group of performers intrinsic - ---essential nature of a thing orthodox - ---adhering to a strict set of beliefs maverick - ---intrepid person, innovator aberrant - ---deviating from the norm enumerate - ---to count fusion - ---merging of diverse parts into a whole dichotomy - ---separation into two parts anachronism - ---a thing or person out of place in time fledging - ---young, inexperienced exigent - ---needing swift action inopportune - ---not timely, inappropriate alacrity - ---promptness, eagerness adjourn - ---to suspend, as a meeting prevalent - ---common, frequent stasis - ---stagnation, equilibrium labile - ---unstable, open to change equilibrium - ---state of balance riveting - ---commanding full attention, fascinating cessation - ---stoppage, ceasing relinquish - ---to let go of, give up renegade - ---an outlaw, one who is unconventional supersede - ---to supplant reciprocate - ---to give and take, to return, to pay back crusade - ---a zealous campaign for a cause seminal - ---original or relating to seed or semen endow - ---to grant, as a gift
nugatory - ---negligible, having no effect unassailable - ---not questionable, not doubtable flaccid - ---limp, drooping dynamic - ---in motion viable - ---capable of living, capable of working proliferate - ---multiply, procreate fallow - ---barren, not cultivated or sown fabricate - ---to create incubation - ---period of gestation susceptible - ---prone to, open to propensity - ---inclination collaborate - ---to work together, cooperate connive - ---to conspire, to be in secret sympathy with synchronous - ---at the same time recalcitrant - ---stubborn, defiant bucolic - ---pastoral, relating to country life ubiquitous - ---everywhere, in all places acculturate - ---to adapt to a culture colossus - ---giant statue, very large thing dimension - ---property of space, as in height, width, depth burgeon - ---to bloom, flourish contigeous - ---adjacent with, borders touching rift - ---a gap or fissure recapitulate - ---to repeat, sum up tenuous - ---not solid, weak nadir - ---low point, point opposite the zenith rudimentary - ---basic recumbent - ---lying down, resting buttress - ---supporting piece of a structure, strengthen, support transpose - ---change from one place to mode to another
facade - ---false front peripheral - ---outside, surrounding, auxiliary nucleate - ---to cluster, to form a nucleus strata - ---layer lateral - ---sideways, on the side amorphous - ---without shape, unclassifiable ellipse - ---oval tortuous - ---twisting, winding, tricky obtuse - ---difficult to understand, unable to understand, stupid striate - ---to stripe constrict - ---to compress, constract occlude - ---to obstruct, block up dormant - ---asleep, inactive halcyon - ---happy, prosperous, peaceful placid - ---quiet, calm stagnant - ---stale, foul, motionless accelerate - ---speed up precipitate - ---sudden or steep, rain, snow, to bring about suddenly saunter - ---to walk in an easygoing swagger amble - ---walk leisurely reconnaissance - ---survey, esp military action pulverize - ---smash into dust avert - ---turn away, avoid errant - ---wandering, traveling converge - ---come together, merge egress - ---exit lactate - ---to produce milk secrete - ---give off or to hide welter - ---chaotic mess cyclical - ---periodic and repeating
tepid - ---lukewarm, room temperature pigment - ---coloring element in paint spectrum - ---range of all colors, complete range florid - ---flowery or reddish iridescent - ---having shiny rainbow colors, shimmery mosaic - ---picture made of many small parts such as tiles pied - ---multi- colored and blotchy stipple - ---speckle or fleck esp with paint, effect of many small dots transcendental - ---abstract, supernatural impalpable - ---not physical, not able to be touched monolith - ---a single, huge structure, or a large organization acting as one force hydrate - ---add water emollient - ---lotion that moisturizes ferrous - ---with iron turbid - ---muddy, obscurd arid - ---dry aerate - ---to supply or combine with oxygen or air resuscitate - ---to revive, renew carrion - ---animal remains demise - ---death, cessation vapid - ---uninteresting, without liveliness cloying - ---sweet, sentimental pungent - ---strong tasting or smelling redolent - ---aromatic, having an odor ostensible - ---apparent, under pretext discord - ---argument, strife fatuous - ---foolish, silly inane - ---silly, empty-headed ludicrous - ---ridiculous, absurd dilettante - ---amateur, dabbler
cogitate - ---to think hard, ponder forage - ---look for food peruse - ---study thoroughly perspicacious - ---keen, mentally sharp doctrine - ---creed, belief naivete - ---unsophisticatedness, artlessness belie - ---contradict, give false cover to implausible - ---not believable pontifical - ---like a pontiff, pope, extremely authoritative falter - ---stumble, hesitate relic - ---remnant, souvenir, venerated object juggernaut - ---large vehicle that crushes anything in its path proscribe - ---condemn, forbid censure - ---disapprove, condemn, disapproval, condemnation impunity - ---without fear of punishment indictment - ---formal charge against a person gourmand - ---one who likes to eat alot ascetic - ---austere, disciplined hedonist - ---one who lives for pleasure profligate - ---extravagent, prodigal obdurate - ---stubborn, unfeeling altruism - ---unselfish behavior quisling - ---traitor veracity - ---truthfulness probity - ---honesty candor - ---straightforwardness, sincerity artlessness - ---crudeness, naturalness vituperate - ---scold with excessively harsh language tirade - ---long, harsh, highly critical speech reprobate - ---depraved, condemned
culpable - ---deserving of blame castigate - ---scold severely countenance - ---face, expression or allow to happen approbation - ---praise, approval adulation - ---admiration travesty - ---mockery, parody derision - ---scorning, ridicule vindictive - ---vengeful, spiteful truculent - ---ferocious, extremely harsh affable - ---friendly, pleasant urbane - ---sophisticated, wordly lionize - ---make much of aggrandize - ---praise greatly, make seem greater effrontery - ---boldness grandiloquent - ---having high sounding speech spurious - ---false, fradulent timorous - ---timid, fearful redoubtable - ---formidable, illustrious aesthetic - ---artistic, relating to beauty unprepossessing - ---homely, plain tentative - ---hesitantm, uncertain discreet - ---having good judgment, prudent daunt - ---subdue or tame solicitude - ---over-attentive care, anxiety disquiet - ---disturb or upset commodious - ---having ample space exacerbate - ---aggravate, make worse contrite - ---sorry, repentant levity - ---lightness, good humor querulous - ---complaining, whining
pique - ---offense, resentment, provoke or excite intuitive - ---known through immediate insight not gained through rational thought sybil - ---witch meticulous - ---extremely careful, fastidious prescience - ---ability to foretell events intelligible - ---understandable, comprehensible limpid - ---clear, serene, transparent` inadvertence - ---oversight, unwillingness concede - ---to yield, grant retract - ---take back, recant ideology - ---set of beliefs temperament - ---disposition, sensibility peer - ---equal chauvinist - ---extreme patriot, one who believes one group is superior to another contend - ---fight with, oppose scruple - ---have moral qualms about, moral principle concur - ---agree prattle - ---babble, as a child oblivious - ---unknowing, unheeding arcane - ---secret, esoteric conundrum - ---riddle, puzzle allusive - ---referring to or hinting t something esp in literature elucidate - ---make clear, explain flagrant - ---bold, open, apparent salient - ---noticeable, prominent erudition - ---knowledge, esp gained from books proctor - ---one who supervises students at an exam charade - ---pretense hallmark - ---distinguishing mark vestige - ---remnant, trace
tapestry - ---decorative wall hanging vernacular - ---common speech, ordinary language concise - ---exact terse - ---short, curt circuitous - ---round-about, indirect superfluity - ---excess verbiage - ---excessive wordiness gregarious - ---outgoing, friendly loquacioius - ---extremely talkative and articulate prate - ---chatter, talk meaninglessly voluble - ---fluent, talkative discourse - ---conversation, long paper or speech on a subject runic - ---like runes, mysterious, secret reticent - ---not talkative cryptic - ---encoded, secret, indecipherable esoteric - ---hidden, available only to the initiate eclipse - ---overshadowing, esp sun or moon latent - ---potential, hidden quality apocryphal - ---spurious, not genuine dissemble - ---lie prevaricate - ---lie simulate - ---imitate, make seem real hyperbole - ---excessive exaggeration tout - ---solicit or promote seine - ---fishnet amenable - ---agreeable, obediant diffident - ---shy, reserved adamant - ---hard, unyielding, very hard stone implacable - ---not able to be changed intransigent - ---stubborn, uncompromising
obstinate - ---stubborn, unmoving ambivalent - ---uncertain, having conflicting feelings fluctuate - ---vary widely caprice - ---impulsive action, whim fickle - ---changeable, not constant impromptu - ---spontaneous, spur of the moment abscond - ---run away secretly elusive - ---difficult to find or pin down parry - ---fend off, dodge shirk - ---neglect or ignore aspiration - ---hope, ambition, breathing in avarice - ---greed proclivity - ---tendency predestine - ---determined ahead of time instigate - ---urge, incite inveigle - ---acquire through sneakiness piquant - ---spicy, as in hot sauce, stimulating, provocative tantalize - ---tease, give taste of profuse - ---plentiful Cannot be false - def - ---Must be true Cannot be true - opposite - ---could be true Cannot be false - opposite - ---not necessarily true Could be false - def - ---not necessarily true Could be false - opposite - ---Must be true Could be true - opposite - ---Cannot be true Must be false - def - ---cannot be true Must be false - opposite - ---could be true Must be true - opposite - ---not necessarily true As indicated by - ---premise Because - ---premise
Due to - ---premise For - ---premise For example - ---premise For the reason that - ---premise Given that - ---premise In that - ---premise Owing to - ---premise Since - ---premise this can be seen by - ---premise All - ---sufficient Any - ---sufficient Every - ---sufficient If in order to - ---sufficient People who - ---sufficient When - ---sufficient Whenever - ---sufficient Not necessarily true - opposite - ---must be true Not necessarily false - def - ---could be true Not necessarily false - opposite - ---cannot be true Then - ---Necessary Only - ---Necessary Only if - ---Necessary Must - ---Necessary Required - ---Necessary Until - ---Necessary Except - ---Necessary Unless - ---Necessary Without - ---Necessary inconsistent - ---2 things that cannot be true consistent - ---2 things that CAN be true
If it is snowing, then it must be cold. - ---If S happens then C happens. It is snowing only if it is cold. - ---If S happens then C happens It cannot snow unless it is cold. - ---If S happens then C happens We know it is cold if it is snowing. - ---If S happens then C happens Sierra goes for a walk if and only if Columbine goes for a walk. - ---Both or us go or neither of us go Sara cannot be second unless Trang is first. - ---If S is second then T is first. Or if T is not first then S is not second. (Get rid of the cannot - arrow through the unless) Cannot/Unless - ---Get rid of the cannot - arrow through the unless R → B - ---No person who buys the red shirt does not buy the blue shirt.
If someone buys the red shirt, that person buys the blue shirt. In other words, buying the blue shirt is a necessary condition for buying the red shirt.
Since it is impossible to buy the red shirt without also buying the blue shirt, buying the blue shirt is a necessary condition for buying the red shirt. In other words, one can't buy the red shirt without buying the blue shirt, too. Jameson does not attend the concert unless Steve does. - ---J --> S Most - ---51% or more Most + Most - ---Some Some - ---1 to everyone Some + Some - ---some or most On the day after the day - ---2 days next to each other impugn - ---Dispute the truth inculcate - ---Instill by persistent instruction petulance - ---irritable, peevish, or impatient preceding - ---come before Fewer than three - ---two or less efficacy - ---the capacity to produce an effect transgression - ---A violation of a law, command, or duty A occurred before B, so A must have caused B. - ---Common Causal Flaw A and B tend to occur together, so A must cause B. - ---Common Causal Flaw
A is one possible cause, so A must be the only cause. - ---Common Causal Flaw Weaken a causal argument - ---Provide an alternate cause Show that cause and effect are reversed Show there is no causal relationship (merely a coincidence) Reading comprehension 4 points - ---Cast of Characters Author's Opinion Main Idea Passage Structure Reading Comprehension pay attention - ---What's interesting What questions would you ask yourself Any ideas that are compared or contrasted Predictions unprecedented - ---Never done or known before immediately/far - ---be on the look out some/most - ---be on the look out ~h --> s - ---not s --> h can have both but must have at least one h --> ~ s - ---s --> not h can have none but not both If wrens are in the forest, then so are grosbeaks. - ---W--> G or no G --> no W If harriers are in the forest, then grosbeaks are not. - ---H --> no G or G --> no H (not both) If jays, martins, or both are in the forest, then so are harriers. - ---J or M --> H or no H --> no J and no M Wendy appears in every photograph that Selma appears in. - ---S -> W Raimundo appears in every photograh that Yakira does not appear in - ---Not Y--> R because of - ---causal term caused by - ---causal term determined by - ---causal term is an effect of - ---causal term induced by - ---causal term leads to - ---causal term promoted by - ---causal term
produced by - ---causal term played a role in - ---causal term product of - ---causal term responsible for - ---causal term reason for - ---causal term was a factor in - ---causal term Socrates is a man All men are mortal - ---Socrates is mortal No budget committee member serves on the planning committee. - ---P -->not B Neither giraffes nor bears are on display - ---no giraffes and no bears. Make sure that you are looking at the NOT ~ conditional. Some professors at the school teach Spanish. Some Spanish teachers have been to Spain. - ---This tells you nothing because you don't know that the Spanish teachers are from the school. Tautology - ---needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word Two types of Conclusions - ---Descriptive or Prescriptive which are either absolute or possible. Types of Descriptive Conclusion - ---1. Assertions of Truth 2. Comparisons 3.Predictions 4.Conditionals Define Assertion of Truth - ---In an Assertion of Truth, the author states that something is or is not the case. "So, there are always situations in which it is healthy to try to express one's anger." "Clearly, then, our patrons prefer not to eat potatoes." Comparison - ---In a Comparison, the author makes a claim about one thing in relation to another thing. "This advantage makes B.t. toxins preferable tochemical insecticides for use as components of insect pest management programs." "On the basis of these results the official concluded that the new pesticide was more effective thanthe old pesticide, at least in the short term, in limiting the loss of certain fruit to insects."
Prediction - ---In a Prediction, the author states what will happen or what is likely to happen in the future. "So once humans begin to tap into this tremendous source of creativity and innovation, many problems that today seem insurmountable will be within our ability to solve." Conditional - ---In a Conditional, the author states the conclusion in terms of, "if...then..." "Clearly, ifyou buy a Sturdimade, you can rely on being able to drive it for a very long distance." "So ifthey were not so brittle, one could reliably determine a rattlesnake's age simply from the number of sections in its rattle." Prescriptive Conclusion - ---Prescriptive Conclusionsstate what "should" or "ought" to be the case. Prescriptive Conclusions are always some form of recommendation. Recommendation Conclusion - ---In a Recommendation, the author proposes a course of action. "Additional restrictions should be placed on driver's licenses of teenagers." "So individuals who want to reduce their risk of cancer should reduce their fat intake." Absolute Certainty - ---Absolute
Something definitely is or is not the case. A course of action should definitely be undertaken. Possible Certainty - ---Something is likely or maybe the case. A course of action should perhaps be undertaken. Ways that author supports conclusion. - ---Offer an alternative explanation? Eliminate possible alternative explanations? Apply a general principle to a specific case? Argue by analogy? Use an example to prove a point? Cite a relevant authority? How should you attack a Method of Argument question? - ---1. Identify what the question is asking you to do. What is your job?
2. Engage the stimulus as directed by the question. How do you do your job? 3. Consider the requirements of the correct answer. What should the correct answer look like? 4. Evaluate the choices looking for the correct answer. Which answer looks like your prediction? Eliminate answer choices that do not accurately describe the author's method of reasoning. What is the evidence and the conclusion?
It is inaccurate to say that a diet high in refined sugar cannot cause adult-onset diabetes, since a diet high in refined sugar can make a person overweight, and being overweight can predispose a person to adult-onset diabetes. - ---Evidence: A diet high in refined sugar can make a person overweight. Being overweight can predispose a person to adult-onset diabetes.
Conclusion: It is inaccurate to say that a diet high in refined sugar cannot cause adult-onset diabetes.
Method of Argument: It is inaccurate to say that A cannot cause C because A can cause B and B can cause C. Any language learned by the geologist is learned by the the historian. - ---g --> h If the statements above are true, which one of the following must also be true? ---Must Be True Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the passage? - ---Must Be True The main point of the argument is that - ---Main Point Larew and Mendota disagree about whether - ---Point at Issue Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument above? ---Assumption Which one of the following, if assumed, allows the conclusion above to be properly drawn? - ---Justify
Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument? - ---Strengthen Which one of the following, if true, most strongly supports the statement above ---Strengthen Which one of the following, if true, would most effectively resolve the apparent paradox above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? ---Weaken Which one of the following describes the technique of reasoning used above? ---Method The reasoning in the astronomer's argument is flawed because this argument ---Flaw Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its pattern of reasoning to the argument above? - ---Parallel The answer to which one of the following questions would contribute most to an evaluation of the argument? - ---Evaluate If the statements above are true, which one of the following CANNOT be true? ---Cannot Be True Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain the viewpoint of the historians described above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following can be properly inferred from Rosen's statement? ---Must Be True Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the reasoning above? ---Weaken Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument above? ---Assumption Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its pattern of reasoning to the argument above? - ---Parallel Of the following, which one most accurately expresses the main point of the argument? - ---Main Point Which one of the following, if true, would provide the most support for the economists' assertion? - ---Strengthen The argument is flawed because it - ---Flaw The dialogue most supports the claim that Tony and Raoul disagree about whether ---Point at Issue If the statements above are true, which one of the following must be false? ---Cannot Be True
The advertisement proceeds by - ---Method Which one of the following, if assumed, would allow the conclusion to be properly drawn? - ---Justify The answer to which one of the following questions would most help in evaluating the columnist's argument? - ---Evaluate Sue challenges Anne's reasoning by - ---Method The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following? ---Must Be True Each of the following, if true, supports the claim above EXCEPT - ---Strengthen X Each of the following, if true, weakens the argument EXCEPT - ---Weaken X Which one of the following, if all of them are true is LEAST helpful in establishing that the conclusion above is properly drawn? - ---Strengthen X Each of the following describes a flaw in the psychologist's reasoning EXCEPT ---Flaw X Which one of the following, if true, does NOT help to resolve the apparent discrepancy between the safety report and the city's public safety record? ---Resolve X If the statements above are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT ---Cannot Be True If the statements above are true, which one of the following must also be true? ---Must Be True If the information above is correct, which one of the following conclusions can be properly drawn? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following can be inferred from the statement above? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the passage? - ---Must Be True If the statements above are true, which one of the following must also be true? ---Must Be True If the information above is correct, which one of the following conclusions can be properly drawn on the basis of it? - ---Must Be True The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following? ---Must Be True Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? ---Must Be True
Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the passage? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the statements above, if they are true? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following inferences is most supported by the information above? ---Must Be True If all of the statements above are true, which one of the following must be true? ---Must Be True Which one of the following can be logically inferred from the passage? - ---Must Be True The statements above, if true, most strongly support which of the following? ---Must Be True Which one of the following logically follows from the statements above? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? ---Must Be True Which one of the following conclusions is most strongly supported by the information above? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following inferences is most strongly supported by the information above? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument? - ---Main Point Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument? - ---Main Point Which one of the following most accurately restates the main point of the passage? - ---Main Point The main point of the argument is that - ---Main Point Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the journalist's argument? - ---Main Point Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the argument? - ---Main Point Which one of the following most logically completes the passage - ---Main Point (fill in the blank) The information above provides the LEAST support for which one of the following? ---Must Be True X Which one of the following most logically completes the argument? - ---Main Point
The educators' reasoning provides grounds for accepting which of the following statements? - ---Must Be True Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? ---Weaken Which one of the following, if true, most undermines the researcher's argument? ---Weaken Which one of the following, if shown to be a realistic possibility, would undermine the argument? - ---Weaken Which one of the following, if true, would most call into question the analysts' explanation of the price increase? - ---Weaken Which one of the following, if true, could be used by Cora to counter Bernard's rejection of her explanation? - ---Weaken Which one of the following, if true, is the strongest logical counter parent P can make to parent Q's objection? - ---Weaken Which one of the following, if true, most calls into question the claim above? ---Weaken Which one of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the conclusion above? ---Weaken Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the speaker's argument? - ---Weaken All of the following weakens the politician's argument EXCEPT? - ---Weaken X The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument - ---Flaw Which one of the following, if true, most strongly strengthens the argument? ---Strengthen Which one of the following, if true, most strongly supports the statement above? ---Strengthen Which one of the following, if true, most strongly supports the statement above? ---Strengthen Which one of the following, if true, does most to justify the conclusion above? ---Strengthen Each of the following, if true, supports the claim above EXCEPT: - ---Strengthen X Which one of the following, if true, LEAST strengthens the argument above? ---Strengthen X Each of the following, if true, would strengthen the argument EXCEPT - ---Strengthen X
Which one of the following discoveries, if it were made, would most support the above hypothesis about South America and Africa? - ---Strengthen Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the medical doctor's argument? - ---Strengthen Each of the following, if true, strengthens the toxicologist's argument EXCEPT ---Strengthen X Which one of the following, if true, most supports the argument - ---Strengthen The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? ---Justify Which one of the following, if assumed, would allow the conclusion to be properly drawn? - ---Justify Which one of the following, if true, enables the conclusion to be properly drawn? ---Justify Which one of the following, if assumed, enables the argument's conclusion to be properly inferred? - ---Justify Which one of the following is an assumption that would serve to justify the conclusion above? - ---Justify The environmentalist's conclusion would be properly drawn if it were true that the ---Justify The conclusion above is properly drawn if which one of the following is assumed? ---Justify Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument above? ---Assumption Which one of the following is an assumption upon which the argument depends? ---Assumption The argument assumes which one of the following? - ---Assumption The conclusion in the passage above relies on which of the following assumptions? ---Assumption The argument assumes which one of the following? - ---Assumption The conclusion in the passage above relies on which one of the following assumptions? - ---Assumption The position taken above presupposes which one of the following? - ---Assumption The conclusion cited does not follow unless - ---Assumption Which one of the following is an assumption that the art historian's argument requires in order for its conclusion to be properly drawn? - ---Assumption
On which one of the following assumptions does the argument rely? - ---Assumption Which one of the following is an assumption on which the columnist's argument depends? - ---Assumption Which one of the following is an assumption on which Barnes's argument depends? ---Assumption Which one of the following, if true, would most effectively resolve the apparent paradox above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the passage above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain the puzzling fact cited above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to reconcile the discrepancy indicated above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent conflict described above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to reconcile the safety experts' belief with the apparently contrary evidence described above? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain the finding of the nicotine study? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why raisins contain more iron per calorie than do grapes? - ---Resolve Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain the behavior of the vervet monkeys described above? - ---Resolve The method of the argument is to - ---Method The argument proceeds by - ---Method The argument derives its conclusion by - ---Method Which one of the following describes the technique of reasoning used above? ---Method Which one of the following is an argumentative strategy employed in the argument? - ---Method Which one of the following is an argumentative strategy employed in the argument? - ---Method The argument employs which one of the following reasoning techniques? - ---Method Aiesha responds to Adam's argument by - ---Method
Which one of the following most accurately describes the relationship between Jane's argument and Mark's argument? - ---Method The claim that people have positive or negative responses to many nonsense words plays which one of the following roles in the argument? - ---Method Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the psychologist's argument by the claim that the obligation to express gratitude cannot be fulfilled anonymously? - ---Method Ruth responds to Jorge's criticism by - ---Method Sue challenges Anne's reasoning by - ---Method Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the statement that zooplankton feed upon phytoplankton? - ---Method The claim that humans are still biologically adapted to a diet of wild foods plays which one of the following roles in the nutritionist's argument? - ---Method The phrase, "certain traits like herding ability risk being lost among pedigreed dogs" serves which one of the following functions in the argument? - ---Method Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the argument's reasoning? - ---Flaw The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the ground that the argument - ---Flaw The reasoning above is flawed because it fails to recognize that - ---Flaw A questionable aspect of the reasoning above is that it - ---Flaw The reasoning in the argument is fallacious because the argument - ---Flaw Which one of the following is most closely parallel in its reasoning to the reasoning in the argument above? - ---Parallel Which one of the following exhibits a pattern of reasoning most similar to that exhibited by the argument above? - ---Parallel Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its logical features to the argument above? - ---Parallel Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its pattern of reasoning to the argument above? - ---Parallel The structure of the reasoning in the argument above is most parallel to that in which one of the following? - ---Parallel Which one of the following exhibits a flawed pattern of reasoning most similar to that in the argument above? - ---Parallel Flaw The flawed pattern of reasoning in the argument above is most similar to that in which one of the following? - ---Parallel Flaw
The pattern of reasoning displayed in the argument above is most closely paralleled by that in which one of the following arguments? - ---Parallel Flaw The questionable reasoning in the argument above is most closely paralleled by that in which one of the following? - ---Parallel Flaw Which one fo the following arguments exhibits flawed reasoning most similar to that exhibited by the argument above? - ---Parallel Flaw The flawed reasoning in which one of the following is most similar to that in the commentator's argument? - ---Parallel Flaw Which one of the following arguments has a flawed pattern of reasoning most like the flawed reasoning in the argument above? - ---Parallel Flaw Which one of the following exhibits both of the logical flaws exhibited by the argument above? - ---Parallel Flaw The answer to which one of the following questions would contribute most to an evaluation of the argument? - ---Evaluate Clarification of which one of the following issues would be most important to an evaluation of the skeptics' position? - ---Evaluate Which one of the following would be most important to know in evaluating the hypothesis in the passage? - ---Evaluate Which one of the following would it be most relevant to investigate in evaluating the conclusion of George's argument? - ---Evaluate Which one of the following would it be most helpful to know in order to judge whether what the scientist subsequently learned calls into question the hypothesis? - ---Evaluate If the statements above are true, which one of the following CANNOT be true? ---Cannot Be True The argument can most reasonably be interpreted as an objection to which one of the following claims? - ---Cannot Be True The statements above, if accurate, can best be used as evidence against which one of the following hypotheses? - ---Cannot Be True The statements above, if true, most seriously undermine which one of the following assertions? - ---Cannot Be True If all of the claims made above are true, then each of the following could be true EXCEPT: - ---Cannot Be True If the statements above are true, then which one of the following must be false? ---Cannot Be True Which one of the following most accurately expresses the point at issue between Ted and Mary? - ---Point at Issue
Which one of the following most accurately represents what is at issue between Jorge and Ruth? - ---Point at Issue The dialogue above lends the most support to claim that Sherrie and Fran disagree with each other about which one of the following statements? - ---Point at Issue On the basis of their sentiment, Logan and Mendez are committed to disagreeing over whether - ---Point at Issue Which one of the following judgments most closely conforms to the principle above? - ---Must PR Which one of the following judgments best illustrates the principle illustrated by the argument above? - ---Must PR The principle above, if established, would justify which one of the following judgments? - ---Must PR The information above most closely conforms to which one of the following principles? - ---Strengthen PR Which one of the following most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argumentation above? - ---Justify PR Each of the following principles is logically consistent with the columnist's conclusion EXCEPT - ---Cannot PR Which one of the following principles most helps to justify the reasoning above? ---Strengthen PR Which one of the following propositions most helps to justify the reasoning above? ---Strengthen PR Each of the following precepts is logically consistent with the columnist's conclusion EXCEPT - ---Cannot PR Which one of the following most accurately conforms to the principle above? ---Must PR The principle above conforms most to which of the following? - ---Strengthen PR [ A _ B ] ... A in inspected __?__ B - ---before / ahead of [ A _ B ] ... B is inspected __?__ A - ---after / behind [ A _ _ _ B ] ... There are exactly three spaces __?__ A and B / A and B are __?__ three spaces. - ---between / separated by D is inspected exactly two days before E is inspected. - ---[ D _ E ] H is inspected exactly two days ahead of when L is inspected. - ---[ H _ L ] F marches exactly three groups behind G. - ---[ G _ _ F ] K marches exactly three groups after J. - ---[ J _ _ K ]
R and Q are separated by four spaces, and R is ahead of Q. - ---[ R _ _ _ _ Q ] There are four spaces between D and H, and D is behind H. - ---[ H _ _ _ _ D ] First part (*X* --> Y) - ---If / When Second part (X --> *Y*) - ---Then / Only / Only if / Unless The "unless" rule - ---1. Changes the other part into the opposite. 2. The part with the unless goes last. G does not speak fourth unless Q speaks second. - --Unless Q speaks second, G does not speak fourth. - --P sings seventh if G sings fourth. - --P sings seventh only if G sings fourth. - --T dances sixth only if P dances third - --B swims immediately after F only if D does not swim immediately ahead of K. - --Unless P swims immediately after T, J swims immediately after S. - --T dances sixth unless P dances third. - --Unless A eats cake, B cannot eat cake. - --If A sits next to B, then B does not sit next to C. - ---Most people diagram this as AB --> -B-C-. This is incorrect! When F dances third, then G dances 7th - --J dances fifth only if M dances second - --R jumps into the pool immediately ahead of P unless Q jumps into the pool after H. --S and T are displayed on consecutive days. - --There are two days between the day Q is inspected and the day R is inspected. - --Q is not inspected the day before R is inspected. - --D is not inspected exactly two days before E is inspected. - --Q is inspected before R is inspected. - ---Q > R Q is inspected before R is inspected but after H is inspected. - ---H > Q > R H and Q are both inspected before R is inspected. - --A is inspected before B, C, and D are inspected. - --F is displayed immediately prior to G, and G is displayed at some point before I. - --Either H or J must be inspected on the third day. - ---
H must be inspected on the third day or the fifth day. - --A, B, or C must be displayed on the first day. - --What is a sufficient condition? - ---an event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
If a sufficient occurrence occurs, then you automatically know that the necessary condition also occurs.
If (sufficient), then (necessary) What is a necessary condition? - ---an event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
If a sufficient occurrence occurs, then you automatically know that the necessary condition also occurs.
If (sufficient), then (necessary) SUFFICIENT/NECESSARY CONDITIONS If you get an A+, then you must have studied. - ---Sufficient: If you get an A +
Necessary: Then you must have studied.
Depicted as: A+ --> Study If Chris goes fishing with Steve, then Jason will join them as well. - --Terms that introduce the sufficient condition - ---If When Terms that introduce the necessary condition - ---Then Only Only if Unless SUFFICIENT/NECESSARY CONDITIONS Unless a person studies, he or she will not receive an A+. - ---
Laron performs second only if Nancy performs sixth. - --If V is displayed immediately before W, then S must be displayed third. - --If Kahlil performs first, then Martin performs at some time before Paulo. - --If R is delivered first, then X is delivered fourth. - --If R is inspected on the third day, S is not inspected on the fifth day. - --If F's delivery is earlier than M's, then L's delivery is earlier than H's. - --G is recorded earlier than H - --Z is selected during one of the first two days. - --C must sit 4 chairs behind D, and E must sit 3 chairs before C. - --Either S or T must speak on the third day. - --Tom can sit neither immediately before nor immediately after Pat. - --If J is performed fourth, K is performed sixth. - --A is not shorter than B. - --If A sits next to B, then B does not sit next to C. - --Y is inspected before both X and Z are inspected. - --M and T must be performed on consecutive days. - --R cannot be inspected first. - --Three speakers--F, G, and H--give six consecutive one-hour speeches, two speeches per speaker. Exactly one speaker speaks during each hour. The speaker that gives the first speech must also give the second speech. - --K must be played before L. L must be played before M. - --If Q is displayed fourth, then R must be displayed first. R and S are displayed consecutively. - --If Q is displayed fourth, then R must be displayed second. R and S are displayed consecutively. - --W and X cannot speak consecutively. X must speak third of fifth. - --Six lawyers--H, J, K, L, M, and O--must speak at a convention. The six speeches are delivered one at a time, consecutively, according to the following restrictions: K and L must speak consecutively.
O must speak fifth. - --A salesman must visit five families--the Browns, the Chans, the Duartes, the Egohs, and the Feinsteins--one after another, not necessarily in that order. The visit must conform to the following restrictions: The Browns must be visited first or fifth. The Feinsteins cannot be visited third. The Chans must be visited fourth. - --A child must play five games--P, Q, R, S, and T--one after another, not necessarily in that order. The games must be played according to the following conditions: The child plays exactly two games between playing S and playing T, whether or not S is played before T. P is played immediately before Q is played. - --A doctor must see six patients--C, D, E, F, G, and H--one after another, not necessarily in that order. The patients must be seen according to the following conditions: E is seen exactly three patients after C. D is seen immediately before F is seen.
* If G is seen third, which one of the following must be true? - ---The CE split-block must be placed into slots 1-4 because if it is placed in slots 2-5 there will be no room for the DF block. When M is shown first, then O is shown sixth. - ---M1 --> O6 Each rock classic is immediately preceded on the CD by a new composition. - ---[NR] is wrong because it doesn't state that each new composition is immediately followed by a rock classic. B is not inspected the day before C is inspected.
C cannot be inspected second. - --A tutor is planning a daily schedule of individual tutoring sessions for each of six students--S, T, W, X, Y, and Z. The tutor will meet with exactly one student at a time, for exactly one hour each session. The tutor will meet students starting at 1 P.M., for six consecutive hours. - ---This is a 1-1-1-1-1-1 relationship (balanced). Dr. Saitawa schedules six patients--G, H, L, M, O, and P--for surgery during a single week on Monday through Friday. Dr. Saitawa will operate on exactly one patient each day, except for one of the days when Dr. Saitawa will operate on two patients
in separate, non-simultaneous sessions. - ---This is a 2-1-1-1-1 relationship (overloaded).
One a patient has been assigned a day, it is still possible that another patient could be assigned to that day and thus the day is not "closed off" from further consideration. Seven passengers--G, H, L, M, O, P, and S are assigned to nine seats. - ---This is a 11-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 relationship (underfunded).
The deficit of variables can be countered by creating two "E" placeholder variables to represent the two empty seats. Six swimmers--H, J, K, L, N, and P--are assigned to six swimming lanes numbered 1 through 6. Exactly one swimmer is assigned to each lane. The lane assignments conform to the following conditions: Swimmer K is assigned a lower-numbered lane than is swimmer J. Swimmer P is assigned a lower-numbered lane than is swimmer K. - --Five dogs--an Akita, a Bulldog, a Cocker Spaniel, a Doberman, and an English Settler--compete in the final round of a dog show. Each dog will be shown alone to the judges exactly once in accordance with the following conditions: The Doberman can be shown neither immediately before nor immediately after the English Settler. The Akita must be shown two places before the Doberman.
Which one of the following must be true? (A) If the Akita is shown third, the English Settler must be shown second. (B) If the Bulldog is shown fourth, the Akita must be shown third. (C) If the Cocker Spaniel is shown third, the English Settler must be shown first. (D) If the Doberman is shown third, the Bulldog must be shown second. (E) If the English Settler is shown second, the Cocker Spaniel must be shown fourth. - --A manager must schedule five meetings--Accounting, Finance, Management, Resources, and Training--during a single workweek, Monday through Friday. Each meeting will be scheduled for exactly one day, and exactly one meeting is held per day. The meeting schedule must observe the following constraints: The Management meeting is held the day before the Finance meeting.
The Resources meeting is held at some time after the Finance meeting. The Accounting meeting is held second. - --Six students--T, V, W, X, Y, and Z--are scheduled to speak at a debate contest. Each student will speak exactly once, and no two speakers will speak at the same time. The schedule must satisfy the following requirements: T speaks at some time before W. X must be the fourth speaker. V speaks immediately after T. - --A jazz band director is selecting the songs for an evening's performance. Seven songs--F, G, H, J, Q, R, and S--will be played one after another, not necessarily in that order. Each song will be played exactly once, according to the following conditions: F must be played immediately before or immediately after G. H must be played immediately before or immediately after J. S must be played fourth. G must be played after F. H must be played before J.
Which one of the following cannot be true? (A) F and R are played consecutively. (B) G and Q are played consecutively. (C) H and R are played consecutively. (D) J and Q are played consecutively. (E) Q and R are played consecutively. - --A college dormitory manager must assign five students--P, Q, R, S, and T--to five different floors of the dormitory--floors 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The assignments must comply with the following restrictions: P must be assigned to the floor directly above Q. R must be assigned to floor 6. - --Seven attorneys--C, D, F, G, H, J, and K--are scheduled to interview for a position with a local law firm. The seven interviews are conducted on six different days, Monday through Saturday. On one of the days two attorneys will be interviewed and on all other days exactly one attorney will be interviewed. The interview schedule must conform to the following conditions:
F and K must be interviewed on the same day. J must be interviewed on Thursday. F must be interviewed after C but before G. D and H cannot be interviewed on consecutive days. K must be interviewed on either Tuesday or Friday.
Which one of the following could be true? (A) C is interviewed on Wednesday. (B) C is interviewed on Friday. (C) D is interviewed on Tuesday. (D) G is interviewed on Wednesday. (E) G is interviewed on Friday. - --Each of six patrons--L, M, N, O, P, and Q--will be assigned to exactly one of seven tables. The tables stand consecutively and are numbered 1 through 7, and each table is assigned no more than one patron. Table assignments must meet the following requirements: N cannot be assigned to table 3, 5, or 7. P and Q must sit at lower-numbered tables than M. Tables 5, 6, and 7 must be occupied by a patron. O sits at a higher-numbered table than M. - --There are exactly seven office buildings numbered 1 through 7 on a street. Each building is occupied by exactly one of seven companies: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. All of the buildings are on the same side of the street, which runs from east to west. Building 1 is the westernmost building. The following restrictions apply: Company A does not occupy building 1, 3, 5, or 7. Company C occupies the building immediately to the west of Company D. Company B occupies one of the three westernmost buildings. Company F is the third building to the east of Company E. The easternmost building is not occupied by Company G. - --A dance academy instructor must schedule eight dance classes--a charleston class, a foxtrot class, a jitterbug class, a limbo class, a polka class, a rumba class, a tango class, and a waltz class--for a single day. Exactly two classes will be scheduled at a time, and the scheduling must be made according to the following conditions:
The limbo class and the rumba class are not scheduled for the same time. The charleston class and the polka class must be scheduled for the same time. The limbo class is scheduled at some time after the polka class. The rumba class and the waltz class are not scheduled for the same time.
If the tango class is scheduled for the same time as the foxtrot class, which one of the following must be true? (A) The jitterbug class and the limbo class must be scheduled for the same time. (B) The jitterbug class and the rumba class must be scheduled for the same time. (C) The jitterbug class and the waltz class must be scheduled for the same time. (D) The limbo class and the rumba class must be scheduled for the same time. (E) The rumba class and the waltz class must be scheduled for the same time. ---Answer choice (B) is correct. If F is scheduled with T, then only J remains to be paired with R. A driver must pick up exactly eight passengers—P, R, S, T, V, X, Y, and Z—one at a time, not necessarily in that order. The pickups must be made in accordance with the following conditions: Either T or V must be picked up fifth. Either Y or Z must be picked up third. The driver picks up exactly one passenger between picking up T and picking up Z. S is picked up eighth when Y is picked up third. Z must be picked up ahead of T.
If V is picked up fifth, which one of the following must be true? (A) P is picked up first. (B) R is picked up sixth. (C) S is picked up eighth. (D) X is picked up seventh. (E) Z is picked up sixth. - ---Answer choice (C) is correct. If V is picked up fifth, Y must be picked up third, and when Y is picked up third then S must be picked up eighth.
A doctor must schedule nine patients—L, M, O, P, R, S, T, V, and X—during a given week, Monday through Sunday. At least one patient must be scheduled for each day, and the schedule must observe the following constraints: M and S must be scheduled for the same day. On the day P is scheduled, P must be the only patient scheduled to see the doctor. Exactly one patient is scheduled for Wednesday. T cannot be scheduled for Thursday. If P is scheduled for Monday, then V and X must be scheduled for Saturday. R is not scheduled for Thursday unless L is scheduled for Monday.
If L is scheduled for Monday, which one of the following must be true? (A) R is scheduled for Thursday. (B) V is scheduled for Saturday. (C) S is scheduled for Saturday. (D) P is not scheduled for Monday. (E) V is not scheduled for Monday.
Which one of the following statements about the doctor's schedule must be true? (A) The maximum number of patients scheduled for Monday is one. (B) The maximum number of patients scheduled for Tuesday is two. (C) The maximum number of patients scheduled for Friday is three. (D) The minimum number of patients scheduled for Saturday is two. (E) The minimum number of patients scheduled for Sunday is two. - ---Answer choice (D) is the correct answer. If L is scheduled for Monday, then according to the second rule P cannot be scheduled for Monday.
Answer choice (C) is correct since the maximum number of patients that can ever be scheduled for a single day is three (3-1-1-1-1-1-1). Opposite of "Cannot Be True" - ---Could Be True Opposite of "Could Be True" - ---Cannot Be True Opposite of "Not Necessarily True" - ---Must Be True Opposite of "Must Be True" - ---Not Necessarily True
[Logical Opposition] If G is seated second, which one of the following could be true? - ---1 = Could Be True 4 = Cannot Be True [Logical Opposition] Which one of the following cannot be true? - ---1 = Cannot Be True 4 = Could Be True [Logical Opposition] If R is selected fifth, which one of the following must be true? - ---1 = Must Be True 4 = Not Necessarily True [Logical Opposition] Which one of the following must be true? - ---1 = Must Be True 4 = Not Necessarily True [Logical Opposition] Each of the following must be true except: - ---1 = Not Necessarily True 4 = Must Be True "Must Be False" - ---Cannot Be True "Not Necessarily False" - ---Could Be True "Could Be False" - ---Not Necessarily True "Cannot Be False" - ---Must Be True an argument vs. a set of facts - ---An argument:
" All professors are ethical (premise). Mason is a professor (premise). So Mason is ethical (conclusion). "
A set of facts:
" The Jacksonville area has just over one million residents. The Cincinnati area has almost two million residents. The New York area has almost twenty million residents. "
(a set of facts does not include a conclusion) TIP: Always read each of the five answer choices before deciding which answer is correct. ALWAYS choose the BEST answer. - ---TIP: On average, you have 1 minute and 25 seconds to complete each question. What is a premise? - ---A fact, proposition, or statement from which a conclusion is made.
A premise gives a reason why something should be believed.
"What reasons has the author used to persuade me? Why should I believe this argument? What evidence exists?" What is a conclusion? - ---A statement or judgement that follows from one or more reasons.
A conclusion is the point the author tries to prove by using another statement.
"What is the author driving at? What does the author want me to believe? What point follows from the others?" PREMISE/CONCLUSION Humans cannot live on Venus because the surface temperature is too high. - ---P: because the surface temperature is too high. C: Humans cannot live on Venus. PREMISE/CONCLUSION The economy is in tatters. Therefore, we must end this war. - ---P: The economy is in tatters. C: Therefore, we must end this war. PREMISE/CONCLUSION We must reduce our budget due to the significant cost overruns we experienced during production. - ---P: due to the significant cost overruns we experienced during production.
C: we must reduce our budget. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Fraud has cost the insurance industry
millions of dollars in lost revenue. Thus, congress will pass a stricter fraud control bill since the insurance industry has one of the most powerful lobbies. - ---P1: fraud has cost the insurance industry millions of dollars in lost revenue.
P2: since the insurance industry has one of the most powerful lobbies.
C: thus, congress will pass a stricter fraud control bill. PREMISE/CONCLUSION The data show that people who eat chocolate are generally happy people. As a result, more and more people are buying chocolates. - ---P: people who eat chocolate are generally happy people.
C: more and more people are buying chocolates. TIP: Always identify the conclusion, if one exists. - ---TIP: PREMISE/CONCLUSION Therefore, since higher debt has forced consumers to lower their savings, they now have less money to loan. - ---P: since higher debt has forced consumers to lower their savings
C: therefore, banks now have less money to loan. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Given that the price of steel is rising, we will no longer be able to offer discounts on our car parts. - ---P: given that the price of steel is rising
C: we will no longer be able to offer discounts on our car parts PREMISE/CONCLUSION The political situation in Somalia is unstable owing to the ability of individual warlords to maintain powerful armed forces. - ---P: owing to the ability of individual warlords to maintain powerful armed forces.
C: the political situation in Somalia is unstable. PREMISE/CONCLUSION
Since we need to have many different interests to sustain us, the scientists' belief must be incorrect. - ---P: since we need to have many different interests to sustain us.
C: the scientists' belief must be incorrect. PREMISE/CONCLUSION So, as indicated by the newly released data, we should push forward with our efforts to recolonize the forest with snowy tree crickets. - ---P: as indicated by the newly released data.
C: so we should push forward with our efforts to recolonize the forest with snowy tree crickets. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Television has a harmful effect on society. This can be seen from the poor school performance of children who watch significant amounts of television and from the fact that children who watch more than six hours of television a day tend to read less than non-television watching children. - ---P1: This can be seen from the poor school performance of children who watch significant amounts of television
P2: from the fact that children who watch more than six hours of television a day tend to read less than non-television watching children.
C: Television has a harmful effect on society. PREMISE/CONCLUSION The rapid diminishment of the ecosystem of the Amazon threatens the entire planet. Consequently, we must take immediate steps to convince the Brazilian government that planned development projects need to be curtailed for the simple reason that these development projects will greatly accelerate the loss of currently protected land. - ---P1: The rapid diminishment of the ecosystem of the Amazon threatens the entire planet.
P2: for the simple reason that these development projects will greatly accelerate the loss of currently protected land.
C: Consequently, we must take immediate steps to convince the Brazilian government that planned development projects need to be curtailed
PREMISE/CONCLUSION Every professor at Fillmore University teaches exactly one class per semester. Fillmore's Professor Jackson, therefore, is teaching exactly one class this semester. Moreover, I heard Professor Jackson say she was teaching only a single class. - ---P1: Every professor at Fillmore University teaches exactly one class per semester.
P2: Moreover, I heard Professor Jackson say she was teaching only a single class.
C: Fillmore's Professor Jackson, therefore, is teaching exactly one class this semester. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Wine is made by crushing grapes and eventually separating the juice from the grape skins. However, the separated juice contains impurities and many wineries do not filter the juice. These wineries claim the unfiltered juice ultimately produces a more flavorful and intense wine. Since these winemakers are experts, we should trust their judgement and not shy away from unfiltered wine. - ---P1: Wine is made by crushing grapes and eventually separating the juice from the grape skins.
P2: These wineries claim the unfiltered juice ultimately produces a more flavorful and intense wine.
P3: Since these winemakers are experts
CP: However, the separated juice contains impurities and many wineries do not filter the juice.
C: we should trust their judgement and not shy away from unfiltered wine. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Phenylketonurics are people who cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. There are dangers associated with phenylketonuria, and products containing phenylalanine must carry a warning label that states, "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine." In addition, all children in developed societies receive a phenylketonuria test at birth. Hence, at the moment, we are doing as much as possible to protect against this condition. - ---P1: Phenylketonurics are people who cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine.
P2: There are dangers associated with phenylketonuria, and products containing phenylalanine must carry a warning label that states, "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine."
P3: In addition, all children in developed societies receive a phenylketonuria test at birth.
C: Hence, at the moment, we are doing as much as possible to protect against this condition. PREMISE/CONCLUSION During last nights robbery, the thief was unable to open the safe. Thus, last nights robbery was unsuccessful despite the fact that the thief stole several documents. After all, nothing in those documents was as valuable as the money in the safe. ---P1: During last nights robbery, the thief was unable to open the safe.
P2: After all, nothing in those documents was as valuable as the money in the safe.
CP: despite the fact that the thief stole several documents.
C: Thus, last nights robbery was unsuccessful Conclusion Identification Method - ---Because...
We can conclude that... PREMISE/CONCLUSION The best way of eliminating traffic congestion will not be easily found. There are so many competing possibilities that it will take millions of dollars to study every option, and implementation of most options carries an exorbitant price tag. - ---P: There are so many competing possibilities that it will take millions of dollars to study every option, and implementation of most options carries an exorbitant price tag.
C: The best way of eliminating traffic congestion will not be easily found. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Because the Vikings have the best quarterback in football, they therefore have the best offense in football. Because they have the best offense in football, they will win
the Super Bowl next year. - ---P: Because the Vikings have the best quarterback in football
Sub-C: they therefore have the best offense in football
C: They will win the Super Bowl next year. PREMISE/CONCLUSION Anne: Halley's Comet, now in a part of its orbit relatively far from the Sun, recently flared brightly enough to be seen by telescope. No comet has ever been observed to flare so far from the Sun before, so such a flare must be highly unusual.
Sue: Nonsense. Usually no one bothers to try to observe comets when they are so far from the Sun. This flare was observed only because an observatory was tracking Halley's Comet very carefully. - ---P1: Halley's Comet, now in a part of its orbit relatively far from the Sun, recently flared brightly enough to be seen by telescope.
P2: No comet has ever been observed to flare so far from the Sun before
C: so such a flare must be highly unusual.
P: Usually no one bothers to try to observe comets when they are so far from the Sun.
C: This flare was observed only because an observatory was tracking Halley's Comet very carefully. because - ---Premise Indicator since - ---Premise Indicator for - ---Premise Indicator for example - ---Premise Indicator for the reason that - ---Premise Indicator in that - ---Premise Indicator given that - ---Premise Indicator as indicated by - ---Premise Indicator
this can be seen from - ---Premise Indicator due to - ---Premise Indicator owing to - ---Premise Indicator we know this by - ---Premise Indicator furthermore - ---Additional Premise Indicator moreover - ---Additional Premise Indicator besides - ---Additional Premise Indicator in addition - ---Additional Premise Indicator what's more - ---Additional Premise Indicator after all - ---Additional Premise Indicator thus - ---Conclusion Indicator therefore - ---Conclusion Indicator hence - ---Conclusion Indicator consequently - ---Conclusion Indicator as a result - ---Conclusion Indicator so - ---Conclusion Indicator accordingly - ---Conclusion Indicator clearly - ---Conclusion Indicator must be that - ---Conclusion Indicator shows that - ---Conclusion Indicator conclude that - ---Conclusion Indicator follows that - ---Conclusion Indicator for this reason - ---Conclusion Indicator but - ---Counter-premise Indicator yet - ---Counter-premise Indicator however - ---Counter-premise Indicator on the other hand - ---Counter-premise Indicator admittedly - ---Counter-premise Indicator in contrast - ---Counter-premise Indicator although - ---Counter-premise Indicator
even though - ---Counter-premise Indicator still - ---Counter-premise Indicator whereas - ---Counter-premise Indicator in spite of - ---Counter-premise Indicator despite - ---Counter-premise Indicator What is, "to identify an inference"? - ---It means, to identify something that must be true. What is an assumption? - ---An assumption is an unstated premise. It is what must be true in order for the argument to be true. What is the difference between an inference and an assumption? - ---inference (something that must be true) is what follows from an argument (in other words, a conclusion).
P: People who read a lot of books are smart. P: David reads a lot of books. C: David is smart Z Y needs z translats to - ---If Y --->Z Z is needed for Y translats to - ---If Y ---> Z In Formal Logic " If " identifies - ---Suffucient Condition It follows that' signals - ---Conclusion Y depends on Z translats to - ---If Y -->Z Without Z, Y translats to - ---If ~Y --->Z If ~Z ---> ~Y From the fact that' signals - ---Evidence "After all' Signals - ---Evidence X if, but only if Y translats to - ---X ---> Y AND Y---->X In Formal Logic " Any" identifies - ---Suffucient Condition C: X-->Z E: X--> Y A: ? - ---A: Y --> Z That is why' signals - ---Conclusion In Formal Logic "Necessary " identifies - ---Necessity C: X-->Z E: Y--> Z A: ? - ---A: A-->Y C: X-->W E: X--> Y E: Z --> W
A: ? - ---A: Y--> Z If presented w/ an answer choice that is difficult to comprehend then...? - ---The more confussing it is , the more likely the answer choice is a distracter In Formal Logic "None " identifies - ---Mutually Exclusive Clearly is a key word that signals - ---Conclusion A is a lower numbered position than B....Scribe as... - ---A...B So is a key word to signal - ---Conclusion In Formal Logic "Bound to lead to " identifies - ---Necessity A gets out at some time after B....Scribe as... - ---B...A A gets out some time before B....Scribe as... - ---A...B In Formal Logic "Every " identifies - ---Suffucient Condition A gets out at some time before B but after C....Scribe as... - ---C...A...B A gets out immediately before B....Scribe as... - ---AB Consequently is a key word to signal - ---Conclusion In Formal Logic "Cannot " identifies - ---Mutually Exclusive A gets out immediately after B....Scribe as... - ---BA In Formal Logic "Are destined to " identifies - ---Necessity Exactly one person gets out after A but before B....Scribe as... - ---A_B A is exactly two positions before B....Scribe as... - ---A_B In Formal Logic "Impossible " identifies - ---Mutually Exclusive At least one person gets out after A but before B ....Scribe as... - ---A_...B In Formal Logic "Incapable " identifies - ---Mutually Exclusive Obviously is a key word to signal - ---Conclusion Exactely one person gets out b/w A and B ....Scribe as... - ---A/B_B/A It is clear from" signals - ---Evidence In Formal Logic "Only (if) " identifies - ---Necessity A is imediately next to B....Scribe as... - ---AB or BA M got out after either V or G but not both....Scribe as... - ---V...M...G AND G...M...V or V//G...M...G/V
In Formal Logic "No " identifies - ---Mutually Exclusive This proves that' signals - ---Conclusion A can come neither immediately before nor immediately after B....Scribe as... - ---AB BA (With line through them) In Formal Logic "Whenever " identifies - ---Suffucient Condition A is forth, B is seventh....Scribe as... - ---A₄ --> B₇ B ̰₇ --> A ̰₄ In Formal Logic "Results in " identifies - ---Necessity If A is not seventh, he is fith - ---A ̰₇ --> A ₅ A ̰₅ -->A ₇ In Formal Logic "Always " identifies - ---Necessity Hence is a key word to signal - ---Conclusion In Formal Logic "Unless " identifies - ---Necessity A is in a group with exactly two members ....scribe as... - ---A _ _ (Boxed in) In Formal Logic "Produces " identifies - ---Necessity As a result' signals - ---Conclusion A and B are always in the same group....scribe as... - ---ALWAYS AB In Formal Logic "Each " identifies - ---Suffucient Condition If she selects K, she nust select M ...Scribe as ... - ---K --> M ~M ---> ~K A is not selected unless B is selected....scribe as... - ---A ---> B ~ B ---> ~ A In Formal Logic "Then " identifies - ---Necessity If George buys A, then he does not buy B....Scribe as.... - ---A ---> ~ B B ---> ~ A If George does not buy A, then he buys B - ---~ A --> B ~ B --> A This rule says we must have A, or B, or both In Formal Logic "Sure to " identifies - ---Necessity If she selects G, she can select neither H nor Y...scribe as... - ---G---> ~H and ~Y
H or Y --> ~G Either A or B must be selected, but A and B cannot both be selected....scribe as... ---A//B Abstract Rules & Considerations J and K have at least one symptom in common...Question you ask yourself? ---What symptom could that be? Abstract Rules & Considerations L has greater number of symptoms than K... Question you ask yourself? - ---How many could L have how many could K have? Abstract Rules & Considerations Exactly twice as many people are in group 1 as in group 2. ...Question you ask yourself? - ---How many people can be in group one? Abstract Rules & Considerations Exactly one entity is in every group. ...Question you ask yourself? - ---Which entity could that be? Must it be? Could it be not? Section Strategy - ---The most effective and efficient order approach the section: choose your passage # of questions and degree of difficulty Read the passage strategically Identify the Question Type Research the Relevant Text Make a Prediction Evaluate the Answer Choices Approach - ---• Identify the topic • Scope • Purpose • Main idea Question Types - ---• Global • Detail • Inference • Logic Function • Logic Reasoning
Global Questions - ---• Identify the question type: "Main idea", "Purpose", "Organization" • Task: Think big picture, Review T/S/P/MI, Consult you roadmap • You should be able to predict an answer to most Global questions • Do global questions first • Global questions are usually the first and next to last questions Detail Questions - ---• Identify the question type: "According to the author", "The passage states", "the author mentions" • Task: Research the relevant text Inference Questions - ---• Identify the question type: "the author implies", "the passage suggests", "likely to agree" • Task: Read between the lines, Perhaps combine statements, Identify what must follow from the passage • Inference means "must be true". It's a statement that must be true if everything in the stimulus is true. • Inference questions require you to paraphrase the relevant text or make a deduction • Common wrong answer choices; 180, faulty use of detail, extreme, out of scope • Answer inference questions after you've already picked up points with Global and Detail questions • The correct answer to an inference question doesn't require any information that isn't included in the stimulus • Valid inferences aren't necessarily mind-blowing • Beware of extreme wording in inference answer choices • The correct answer doesn't have to take the entire stimulus into account Logical Function Questions - ---• Identify the question type: "the author...primarily in order to", "primary purpose of the first passage", "best describes the function of" • Task: Looks at the context of the detail or paragraph and ask why the author put it there • Common wrong answer choices; 180, distortion, faulty use of detail Logical Reasoning Questions - ---• Identify the question type: Will mimic LR question types, including o strengthening / weakening - "supports" / "undermines" o Principle - "principle"
o Parallel Reasoning - "analogies" • Task: Use the appropriate LR strategy Common Logical Reasoning & Reading Comp Wrong Answer Types - ---• Extreme Language • Faulty use of detail • Outside of scope • 180 • Distortion • Half Right, Half Wrong • Irrelevant Comparison Reading Strategically - ---Whatever strategy you choose, you should give the passage or pair of passages at least one careful reading before answering the questions. Try to distinguish main ideas from supporting ideas, and opinions or attitudes from factual, objective information. Note transitions from one idea to the next and identify the relationships among the different ideas or parts of a passage, or between the two passages in Comparative Reading sets. Consider how and why an author makes points and draws conclusions. Be sensitive to implications of what the passages say. Roadmap the Text - ---You may find it helpful to mark key parts of passages. For example, you might underline main ideas or important arguments, and you might circle transitional words—"although," "nevertheless," "correspondingly," and the like —that will help you map the structure of a passage. Also, you might note descriptive words that will help you identify an author's attitude toward a particular idea or person. • Always circle colon • Always circle a question mark Locate and use keywords - ---• Logic - Evidence and Conclusion (Therefore..., Since...) • Contrast (However...) • Continuation (Moreover...) • Illustration (Examples of...) • Emphasis / Opinion (Critics, Voices, Even) • Sequence / Timing (Frame of reference, Dates, More Recently) Contrast Keywords - ---But Despite Yet Although
However Even So Nevertheless Whereas On the other hand Conversely Instead Emphasis Keywords - ---Remarkable (more / most) important Compelling Substantial Even more than Opinion Keywords - ---Believed by Thought to be Asserts Some maintain Argues that According to As X sees it The astronomers assumed Contrast Keywords - ---; In addition Also As well Similarly Likewise Illustration Keywords - ---: In contrast to For example Temporal Keywords - ---Since Until recently Recent developments In the past Historically Traditionally Numerical Keywords - ---Three possible explanations There are two reasons for this Abrams describes a fourfold structure Evidence Keywords - ---Because Since This is clear from Conclusion Keywords - ---Thus Clearly as a result And so Words that reveal the author's viewpoint - Negative - ---Doubtful Unconvincing Unlikely Danger Harmful Words that reveal the author's viewpoint - Positive - ---Cogent Completing Promising
Words that reveal the author's viewpoint - Uncertainty / Qualification - ---Seems Appears Mysterious Use the clues - ---• Proper Nouns & Names; look for same key word in the text or margin notes • Line Reference; context is key. Look at the surrounding paragraph (+/- 2 sentences) • Direct Quotes; context is key. Who is quoted (author, critic) Associated Keywords • Paragraph References; consider paragraph in totality. Consider paragraph in context of larger argument • Content Clues; word or phrase of the text. What paragraph. Look for associated key words Comparative Reading - ---• Two short passages • 6-8 questions Testing Strategy - ---• Expect questions that reward your ability to identify points of agreement and disagreement between the passages wiles - ---(n) skill in outwitting "She used her feminine ___ to get everything she wanted." diverge - ---(v) to turn aside from a path or course; to move or extend in different directions from a common point; to become or be different in character or form cogent - ---(adj) smart; (sharp in the sense of intelligence) having power to compel or constrain scheme - ---(n) a crafty plot; (v) creating a crafty plot dissipate - ---(v) to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish; to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly fractious - ---(adj) tending to be troublesome apostate - ---(n) one who renounces his/her faith; someone who gives up religion renounce - ---(v) to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration ; to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further effete - ---(adj) weak; having lost character, vitality, or strength fetter - ---(n/v) a chain for the feet; something that constrains or stops one from doing things inveigle - ---(v) to acquire(get) by trickery, ingenuity, or flattery circuitous - ---(adj) having a circular course; not being direct in language or action
renegade - ---(n) rebel; a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another uphold - ---(v) to give support to; to keep in place lissome - ---(adj) flexible; nimble, quick, missive - ---(n) a letter (the kind you send to another person through the post) suffuse - ---(v) to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light devious - ---(adj) tricky/underhanded; wandering; not straightfoward "The Joker in the Batman series is a _____ character." fiat - ---(n) a command or act of will that creates something without or as if without further effort avow - ---(v) to declare openly, bluntly, assuredly, and without shame connive - ---(v) to pretend ignorance of or fail to take action against something one ought to oppose; to be indulgent or in secret sympathy potentate - ---(n) one who holds great power; a king or other supreme leader saturate - ---(v) to compltely cover/fill; to fill a solid with a liquid to the point where no more can be absorbed, dissolved, or retained; to cause to combine until there is no further tendency to combine diaphanous - ---(adj) see-through (a gown, eg) delicate; letting light through "Diana's diaphonous gown showed off her lovely legs." partisan - ---(n) a firm believer in a cause, (or party, person...); a member of a guerrilla band operating within enemy lines breach - ---(n/v) infraction or violation of a law, obligation, or physical space dissemble - ---(v) to hide under a false appearance; to put on the appearance of wayward - ---(adj) really-super-poorly behaved; following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations; following no clear principle or law impasse - ---(n) a predicament affording no obvious escape; deadlock deprecate - ---(v) to put down (with words); to express disapproval of; to pray against grandiloquent - ---(adj) a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality especially in language estrangement - ---(n) to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness constrain - ---(v) to hold back by force (physical or otherwise) ingenuous - ---(adj) innocent and showing childlike simplicity; naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
trajectory - ---(n) a path, progression, or line of development "The ball followe an arching ____ that carried it from Hank Aaron's bat and into the bleachers." posture - ---(n) the position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose; a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude chastened - ---(adj) warned severely cataclysm - ---(n) a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition; catastrophe embroil - ---(v) to throw into disorder or confusion dissident - ---(n) someone who disagrees (dissents) with the prevailing government; remorse - ---(n) a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs accrue - ---(v) to come about as a natural growth, increase, or advantage; to accumulate or be added periodically recalcitrant - ---(adj) difficult to manage or operate; obstinately defiant of authority or restraint canard - ---(n) a lie; a trick used to deceive someone reconcile - ---(v) to make consistent or congruous; to restore to friendship or harmony inane - ---(adj) lacking significance, meaning, or point poseur - ---(n) a person who pretends to be what he or she is not extricate - ---(v) to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty pithy - ---(adj) brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression; full of vigor, substance, or meaning; terse; forcible caucus - ---(n) a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy chagrin - ---a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation. foist - ---(v) to force upon or impose fraudulently or unjustifiably quotidian - ---(adj) daily; usual or customary; everyday gambit - ---(n) a tricky way to reach one's goal; any maneuver by which one seeks to gain an advantage. bestow - ---(v) to give; to present as a gift; to make some use of abstemious - ---(adj) sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet maneuver - ---(n) a planned and regulated movement or evolution of troops; (v) to steer replicate - ---(v) to copy
pejorative - ---(adj) insulting; having a belittling effect or force disciple - ---(n) one who follows a religious teacher; one who spreads the teachings of a teacher cadge - ---(v) to beg; to borrow without repaying germane - ---(adj) relevant; closely or significantly related hedonist - ---(n) a person who spends her/his life in pursuit of happiness -- seeking only momentary, sensory pleasures validate - ---(v) to make valid; to give legal purpose; to agree with trenchant - ---clearly or sharply defined stalemate - ---(n) to come to a standstill; deadlock emulate - ---(v) to copy in behavior, style, software... inimical - ---(adj) unfriendly; hostile rift - ---fissure; break in friendly relations imbue - ---(v) to saturate with feelings/ideas/color/moisture pragmatic - ---(adj) practical; nullity - ---nothingness; invalidity grovel - ---(v) to humble oneself or act in an abject manner; to beg evanescent - ---(adj) vanishing away supplicant - ---(n) a religious person who prays humbly
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