Flaw Questions - Constantly Struggling

[shardy7]

In the logical reasoning sections I am attempting, I am finding that almost all of the questions I am getting incorrect are flaw questions. I have worked through all of the flaw questions in the homework (in the LSAT course test prep textbooks given from my live online course) and I am seeing virtually no improvement. Additionally, I have thoroughly familiarized myself with all of the regularly occurring flaws and I still cannot seem to point out these flaws in questions. The test is 9 days away and I am starting to panic. Any suggestions?

[Clay Cooper]

Hi shardy,

Thanks for your question, and welcome to the forum!

First, I would recommend checking out the online student center that you have access to as a student in the full-length course: it has homework supplements and modules designed to expand upon and reinforce the ideas taught in the books and the courses. I am confident there is a good bit of additional material on flaw questions to be found there.

Second, here is how I approach flaw questions: first, identify the conclusion, like I do in every LR question that contains one. Then, I ask myself if I think the author has proved that conclusion. If I don't think so, I ask myself why I don't believe it. Here is the key: be as specific as possible about why you don't believe that the author has proved the conclusion. If there is a possibility the author has overlooked, name it, etc. If you can name the reason you don't believe the author's conclusion, then you have nailed your prephrase.

I also find that that approach applies well to weaken, strengthen, justify, and assumption questions as well.

Hope this helps!