Logical Reasoning Question Types-Argument Enhancement/Reduction

Argument enhancement/reduction problems are similar to other types of problems on the LSAT in that it is important to identify them before trying to answer them. The best way to go about this is for the examinee to begin by reading the answer stem of the problem. Fortunately, the answer stems of argument enhancement/reduction problems typically give away their identity readily.

For example, logical reasoning (arguments) argument enhancement problems will usually include phrases such as "lends support to" or "strengthens." Similarly, logical reasoning (arguments) argument reduction problems usually include phrases like "weakens the argument." It is also important for the examinee to note that question stems for logical reasoning (arguments) argument enhancement/reduction problems will include language permitting the examinee to assume that the given phrase or added fact is true. Therefore, the examinee does not have to worry about the truth of the added statements or facts.

It is also critical for the examinee to understand that the answer sought is not necessarily the statement that will make the provided argument true (in the case of an argument enhancement problem) or false (in the case of an argument reduction problem). The examinee is required to identify the statement that makes the proposed argument more believable (in the case of an argument enhancement problem) or less believable (in the case of an argument reduction problem).

Before discussing general strategy, it may be helpful to consider an example. Read the following argument:

Jim loves sports. Therefore, Jim would love to go to tonight's baseball game.

After the examinee has read the question stem and identified the problem as a logical reasoning (arguments) argument enhancement/reduction problem, the examinee should begin reading the passage and making note of any deficiencies or holes in the argument provided. Using the all-too-obvious example above, the examinee should note that just because Jim loves sports doesn't mean that Jim loves baseball, or that Jim likes attending live baseball/sporting events, or that Jim doesn't have other important plans for tonight, etc. By identifying these deficiencies, the examinee is in a better position to choose from the answer selection the statement that will best enhance or reduce the believability of the provided argument, as the case may be.

Focus on the argument provided above. If the question stem that followed that passage asked the examinee for the statement that best supports the argument, then the examinee should begin reviewing the answers for statements that clear up any of the deficiencies identified in the argument provided. Similarly, if the question stem asks the examinee for the statement that best reduces the believability of the provided argument, the examinee should browse the answer choices for the statement that best exacerbates one of the argument's deficiencies. It is important to note that the difficulty associated with logical reasoning (arguments) argument enhancement/reduction problems is often contained in the answer choices. This manifests in several ways. For example, there is often more than one statement that either supports or weakens the provided argument. The examinee must determine which statement goes the farthest to affect the believability of the provided argument. Additionally, LSAT problem drafters will commonly provide answer choices that appear relevant to the argument in general, but upon further analysis do not really affect the believability of the argument.