Using Method AP and Main Conclusion

[Osa]

Hi Dave and all,
I need your help. For me I consistently choose the right answers on Method AP and Main conclusion Questions almost 99.9% of the time. I can clearly recognize the structure and distinguish between premise conclusion and main conclusion of the stimulus. My problem, however, is that I still struggle with some Method/Flaw questions (a lot of the options throw me off guard). I also have similar issues with PAT questions type as well. I have studied the book for these question types over and over again and have listened to lessons on these Question type on Advanced LR as well. I have to say that this has help but I still sometimes feel uncomfortable with some of the Method-Flaw and PAT questions.
How else can I use what I have (i.e locking down Method AP and MC questions) to get what i need? Because with that, Dave, as you always say in the Advances LR lessons, "I will be Golden?"

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Osa,

Thanks for your question!

The main problem with Method and Flaw questions is that test-makers can craft answer choices that are either too vague, or too abstract, to match your prephrase. There are many ways of describing what the author did (or did wrong), so even if you formulate a suitable prephrase, you may not end up finding a close match in any answer choice. Here's what you should do:

In both question types, you still do need a prephrase. You must know what you're looking for, or else the answers will end up misleading you further. However, keep an open mind: make sure your prephrase is broad enough to capture a variety of formulations. This is especially true in Method questions, as the level of specificity and generality that they can use varies considerably. Also, never forget that these are ultimately Prove-family questions: if you don't have definitive proof that the author did XYZ, then that answer choice is probably incorrect.

In some ways, Flaw questions are simpler because there is always a specific flaw in the reasoning that they want you to recognize. If you get stuck on Flaw questions, it's either because you failed to understand the flaw and prephrased improperly, or else your prephrase did not match any of the answer choices provided. The latter problem is easier to fix. Usually, it shows that you have a good grasp of the various logical fallacies, but did not take the time to fully examine the variety of ways in which they can appear on the test. Alternatively, you may be getting too “boxed in” your prephrase, preventing you from recognizing the correct answer choice even though you know what you are looking for in general.

Now, if you have absolutely no idea what the flaw in the argument is, try to figure out how to weaken it instead. Flaw and Weaken questions are closely related. If you can weaken the argument, then fundamentally you have some grasp of the flaw in it, and you can use that information to help you determine the correct answer choice. For instance, whenever the answer choice in a Flaw question begins with, "The author overlooks/ignores the possibility that...", this is essentially a Weaken question in disguise. Why? Because only possibilities that could potentially weaken the argument are possibilities that the author should have considered, and whose omission amounts to a logical flaw.

How to use your resources more efficiently? Well, I'm not 100% sure what resources you currently have at your disposal. You mentioned you've taken the Advanced LR course, but not whether you're a current/former Full Length or Weekend LSAT course student. Do you have our Bibles and Workbooks? How about the Question Type Training volumes? Generally speaking, the best way to fix a specific problem is to drill those question types repeatedly (by isolating them from prior tests, or using coursework homework, or Question Type Training volumes). Whenever you get a question wrong, it is imperative to understand why - either by posting it on the Forum, or by talking to your tutor (if you have one), or by accessing a written explanation to the question you missed. Students also benefit from explaining questions to others, so if you have a study partner, that can be a big plus.

Please let me know what resources you're currently working with, and I'll try to come up with a more specific plan of action for the next week (I assume you're taking the June test?)

Thanks!

[Osa]

Thank you so much Nikki. Yes I will do the exam next Monday. I initially bought the Bibles and LR Question Type Training 1 thinking i will self-study. But 3 weeks later and after listening to one of Powerscore free classes, I enrolled in the Full Live online class. So i have virtually all the materials and have to tell you, they have really been helpful. Just don't want to give up on Method-flaw because the question types has the largest proportion of the exam. Getting all of them right will play a huge role on my score. So, please let me know if you have an idea of what else i can do.

Thanks.