The true effect of “except” is to logically negate the question stem. We will
discuss Logical Negation in more detail in the Assumption question chapter.
The word “except” has a dramatic impact when it appears in a question stem.
Because “except” means “other than,” when “except” is placed in a question it
negates the logical quality of the answer choice you seek. Literally, it turns the
intent of the question stem upside down. For example, if a question asks you
to weaken the argument, the one correct answer weakens the argument and the
other four answers do not weaken the argument. If “except” is added to the
question stem, as in “Each of the following weakens the argument EXCEPT,”
the stem is turned around and instead of the correct answer weakening the
argument, the four incorrect answers weaken the argument and the one correct
answer does not weaken the argument.
Many students, upon encountering “except” in a question stem, make the
mistake of assuming that the “except” charges you with seeking the polar
opposite. For example, if a question stem asks you to weaken the argument,
some students believe that a “Weaken EXCEPT” question stem actually asks
you to strengthen the argument. This is incorrect. Although weaken and
strengthen are polar opposites, because except means “other than,” when a
“Weaken EXCEPT” question stem appears, you are asked to find any answer
choice other than Weaken. While this could include a strengthening answer
choice, it could also include an answer choice that has no effect on the
argument. Thus, in a “Weaken EXCEPT” question, the four incorrect answers
Weaken the argument and the one correct answer does not weaken the
argument (could strengthen or have no effect). Here are some other examples:
1. “Which one of the following, if true, strengthens the argument above?”
One correct answer: Strengthen
Four incorrect answers: Do not Strengthen
“Each of the following, if true, strengthens the argument above
EXCEPT:”
One correct answer: Does not Strengthen
Four incorrect answers: Strengthen
Some LSAT Logical Reasoning sections feature “except” questions very heavily. For
example, in the second reasoning section of the June 2003 LSAT, 6 of the 26
questions used “except.”
2. “Which one of the following, if true, would help to resolve the
apparent discrepancy above?”
One correct answer: Resolves the Paradox
Four incorrect answers: Do not Resolve the Paradox
“Each of the following, if true, would help to resolve the apparent
discrepancy above EXCEPT:”
discuss Logical Negation in more detail in the Assumption question chapter.
The word “except” has a dramatic impact when it appears in a question stem.
Because “except” means “other than,” when “except” is placed in a question it
negates the logical quality of the answer choice you seek. Literally, it turns the
intent of the question stem upside down. For example, if a question asks you
to weaken the argument, the one correct answer weakens the argument and the
other four answers do not weaken the argument. If “except” is added to the
question stem, as in “Each of the following weakens the argument EXCEPT,”
the stem is turned around and instead of the correct answer weakening the
argument, the four incorrect answers weaken the argument and the one correct
answer does not weaken the argument.
Many students, upon encountering “except” in a question stem, make the
mistake of assuming that the “except” charges you with seeking the polar
opposite. For example, if a question stem asks you to weaken the argument,
some students believe that a “Weaken EXCEPT” question stem actually asks
you to strengthen the argument. This is incorrect. Although weaken and
strengthen are polar opposites, because except means “other than,” when a
“Weaken EXCEPT” question stem appears, you are asked to find any answer
choice other than Weaken. While this could include a strengthening answer
choice, it could also include an answer choice that has no effect on the
argument. Thus, in a “Weaken EXCEPT” question, the four incorrect answers
Weaken the argument and the one correct answer does not weaken the
argument (could strengthen or have no effect). Here are some other examples:
1. “Which one of the following, if true, strengthens the argument above?”
One correct answer: Strengthen
Four incorrect answers: Do not Strengthen
“Each of the following, if true, strengthens the argument above
EXCEPT:”
One correct answer: Does not Strengthen
Four incorrect answers: Strengthen
Some LSAT Logical Reasoning sections feature “except” questions very heavily. For
example, in the second reasoning section of the June 2003 LSAT, 6 of the 26
questions used “except.”
2. “Which one of the following, if true, would help to resolve the
apparent discrepancy above?”
One correct answer: Resolves the Paradox
Four incorrect answers: Do not Resolve the Paradox
“Each of the following, if true, would help to resolve the apparent
discrepancy above EXCEPT:”
