LNAT Argument Component Identification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the passage: 'Traffic fatalities have declined since seat belt laws were enacted. Therefore, mandatory seat belt laws save lives.' What role does the first sentence play?
- Conclusion
- Premise (Correct answer)
- Counter-argument
- Qualification
Correct answer: Premise
The first sentence is a premise — it provides the factual evidence that supports the conclusion stated in the second sentence.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes an 'intermediate conclusion' in an argument?
- A statement that the author concedes to opponents
- A statement that functions both as a conclusion drawn from earlier premises and as a premise for a later conclusion (Correct answer)
- A statement that weakens the main argument
- A statement that introduces a new topic unrelated to the main point
Correct answer: A statement that functions both as a conclusion drawn from earlier premises and as a premise for a later conclusion
An intermediate conclusion is a sub-conclusion that is supported by earlier evidence and itself acts as a premise supporting the main conclusion.
Question 3: The phrase 'it must be acknowledged that' typically signals which argument component?
- Main conclusion
- Supporting premise
- Concession to a counter-argument (Correct answer)
- Background context
Correct answer: Concession to a counter-argument
Phrases like 'it must be acknowledged that' signal a concession — the author admits a point that favors the opposing view before reasserting their own position.
Question 4: Examine: 'All citizens deserve equal legal representation. Public defenders are underfunded. Therefore, the current system violates citizens' rights.' Which statement is the main conclusion?
- All citizens deserve equal legal representation.
- Public defenders are underfunded.
- Therefore, the current system violates citizens' rights. (Correct answer)
- All three statements are equally conclusions.
Correct answer: Therefore, the current system violates citizens' rights.
The main conclusion is 'the current system violates citizens' rights' — it is what the two preceding premises jointly establish.
Question 5: A passage states: 'Some argue that free trade reduces domestic jobs, but evidence shows it creates more jobs overall than it destroys.' What is the function of the clause beginning 'Some argue'?
- It is a supporting premise for the author's view.
- It is the main conclusion of the passage.
- It is a counter-argument that the author then rebuts. (Correct answer)
- It is a definition of a key term.
Correct answer: It is a counter-argument that the author then rebuts.
The 'some argue' clause presents an opposing viewpoint, which the author immediately counters with evidence — making it a counter-argument the author rebuts.
Question 6: Which element is LEAST likely to be a structural component of a formal argument as tested on the LNAT?
- A premise that provides factual support
- A conclusion that synthesizes the premises
- A rhetorical exclamation expressing enthusiasm (Correct answer)
- An assumption underlying the reasoning
Correct answer: A rhetorical exclamation expressing enthusiasm
A rhetorical exclamation is an emotive device, not a logical component — arguments consist of premises, conclusions, assumptions, and sometimes counter-arguments.
Question 7: In the statement 'Since renewable energy costs have fallen sharply, and since energy independence is a national priority, we should invest heavily in renewables,' the word 'since' marks what type of component?
- Conclusion indicators
- Premise indicators (Correct answer)
- Assumption markers
- Qualification markers
Correct answer: Premise indicators
'Since' is a classic premise indicator word, signaling that the clauses following it provide reasons in support of the conclusion.
LNAT Argument Component Identification 2
In the passage: 'Traffic fatalities have declined since seat belt laws were enacted.
Therefore, mandatory seat belt laws save lives.' What role does the first sentence play?