Verbal Reasoning Flashcards
7 cards from real LNAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Verbal Reasoning flashcards as text
A passage describes two competing theories of punishment: retributivism and utilitarianism. Which correctly distinguishes them?
Answer: Retributivism punishes based on moral desert; utilitarianism aims to maximize social benefit.
Retributivism holds punishment is deserved for past wrongdoing, while utilitarianism justifies punishment only if it produces net social good.
Which is the best example of an 'ad hominem' fallacy?
Answer: Dismissing a scientist's climate research because she has a criminal record.
Ad hominem attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument's substance.
A passage uses the phrase 'necessary and sufficient condition.' If X is a necessary condition for Y, which is true?
Answer: Y cannot occur without X.
A necessary condition must be present for the outcome to occur — without X, Y is impossible.
Which sentence uses 'infer' correctly?
Answer: From the evidence, we can infer that the suspect had access to the building.
'Infer' means to draw a conclusion from evidence — the reader or reasoner infers, not the source of the information.
An author writes: 'Some critics argue X; however, this view fails to account for Y.' What is the author doing?
Answer: Presenting a counterargument and then rejecting it.
The author introduces an opposing view (critics argue X) and then provides a reason why that view is incomplete or wrong (fails to account for Y).
A passage states that mandatory voting improves democratic legitimacy. Which assumption underlies this argument?
Answer: Higher voter turnout translates into more representative and legitimate election results.
The argument assumes that broader participation through mandatory voting produces results that better reflect the population's will, enhancing legitimacy.
Which correctly defines 'obiter dicta' in legal contexts?
Answer: Remarks made by a judge that are not essential to the decision and not legally binding.
Obiter dicta are judicial comments made in passing that do not form part of the binding ratio decidendi of a case.