Question Type: Method of Argument
Method of argument questions ask you to recognize the way that the argument is put
together. You must choose the answer that properly describes the structure of the stimulus
argument. Some, but certainly not all, method of argument questions are based on
dialogues.
Some examples of question stems are
1. The scientist’s argument proceeds by
2. Trillian’s response to Douglas proceeds by
3. Karen uses which one of the following argumentative techniques in countering
Rob’s argument?
4. The argument criticizing the essay employs which one of the following strategies?
5. The relationship of Svetlana’s statement to Katalya’s argument is that Svetlana’s
statement
Strategies
To answer these questions correctly, you must pay attention to the structure of the argument
rather than to the content or subject matter. Describe the argument in your own
words (paraphrase) and try to match up the analogous parts of your paraphrased argument
to the answer choices.
NOTE
The LSAT purposely uses difficult language to disguise relatively simple arguments. Practice sufficiently so
that you can recognize the argument amidst the tricky language.
Sample Method of Argument Question
Consider the following example:
1. It is widely accepted that eating sugar can cause weight gain. Indeed, many people
who are susceptible to weight gain report that, in their own experience, eating
large amounts of sugar is invariably followed by a measurable weight gain within a
few days. However, it is likely that common wisdom has confused cause and effect.
Logical Reasoning Question Types
105
Recent studies suggest that hormonal changes associated with stress can cause
weight gain, and there is ample evidence that people who are fond of sugar tend to
eat more of it when they are under stress.
The argument employs which one of the following argumentative strategies?
(A) It cites evidence that questions the accuracy of the evidence advanced in
support of the position that is being called into question.
(B) It gives additional evidence that suggests an alternative interpretation of the
evidence offered in support of the position being challenged.
(C) It relies upon the superiority of science versus common opinion as a means
of dismissing the relevance of evidence based upon common experience.
(D) It shows that the position being challenged is not consistent with cited,
proven factual evidence.
(E) It calls into question the intelligence of those who subscribe to a certain
popularly held belief.
The best answer is B. The additional evidence provided is regarding hormonal
changes causing weight gain; the alternative interpretation of the correlation between
sugar consumption and weight gain is the possibility that both the weight gain and sugar
consumption are, in fact, caused by stress.
Method of argument questions ask you to recognize the way that the argument is put
together. You must choose the answer that properly describes the structure of the stimulus
argument. Some, but certainly not all, method of argument questions are based on
dialogues.
Some examples of question stems are
1. The scientist’s argument proceeds by
2. Trillian’s response to Douglas proceeds by
3. Karen uses which one of the following argumentative techniques in countering
Rob’s argument?
4. The argument criticizing the essay employs which one of the following strategies?
5. The relationship of Svetlana’s statement to Katalya’s argument is that Svetlana’s
statement
Strategies
To answer these questions correctly, you must pay attention to the structure of the argument
rather than to the content or subject matter. Describe the argument in your own
words (paraphrase) and try to match up the analogous parts of your paraphrased argument
to the answer choices.
NOTE
The LSAT purposely uses difficult language to disguise relatively simple arguments. Practice sufficiently so
that you can recognize the argument amidst the tricky language.
Sample Method of Argument Question
Consider the following example:
1. It is widely accepted that eating sugar can cause weight gain. Indeed, many people
who are susceptible to weight gain report that, in their own experience, eating
large amounts of sugar is invariably followed by a measurable weight gain within a
few days. However, it is likely that common wisdom has confused cause and effect.
Logical Reasoning Question Types
105
Recent studies suggest that hormonal changes associated with stress can cause
weight gain, and there is ample evidence that people who are fond of sugar tend to
eat more of it when they are under stress.
The argument employs which one of the following argumentative strategies?
(A) It cites evidence that questions the accuracy of the evidence advanced in
support of the position that is being called into question.
(B) It gives additional evidence that suggests an alternative interpretation of the
evidence offered in support of the position being challenged.
(C) It relies upon the superiority of science versus common opinion as a means
of dismissing the relevance of evidence based upon common experience.
(D) It shows that the position being challenged is not consistent with cited,
proven factual evidence.
(E) It calls into question the intelligence of those who subscribe to a certain
popularly held belief.
The best answer is B. The additional evidence provided is regarding hormonal
changes causing weight gain; the alternative interpretation of the correlation between
sugar consumption and weight gain is the possibility that both the weight gain and sugar
consumption are, in fact, caused by stress.
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