Logical reasoning question types - Main point and main concl...

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this article, you will be able to distinguish main point and main conclusion questions in LSAT Logical Reasoning, identify arguments’ conclusions, and analyze how supporting statements (premises) connect to authors’ claims. You’ll learn to use logical clues and structural indicators for efficient question tackling, recognize typical distractors, and apply techniques to avoid common mistakes on LSAT main point questions.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand how main point questions fit into the Logical Reasoning section, focusing on argument structure and evaluating claims. In your revision, prioritise:

• identifying main conclusions within arguments and recognizing supporting premises
• distinguishing between main and subsidiary conclusions and between background, premise, and conclusion statements
• interpreting structural indicators (such as “therefore,” “thus,” “since,” “because”) and their role in argument analysis
• avoiding common traps, such as selecting subsidiary conclusions or background information
• applying strategies to efficiently answer main point and main conclusion questions on LSAT multiple choice

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. Which of the following phrases typically signals a conclusion?
   1. as a result
   2. because
   3. for example
   4. since
2. Which statement is true for LSAT main point questions?
   1. The main point is always in the last sentence of the stimulus.
   2. The main point is the author’s primary claim, supported by the premises.
   3. The main point always presents new information not found in the premises.
   4. Every argument contains an explicit main point.
3. If an argument contains an opinion and a supporting fact, which is more likely to be the conclusion?
   1. The supporting fact
   2. The opinion
   3. Both equally
   4. Neither
4. In a main point question, which answer choice is most likely correct?
   1. A paraphrase of a supporting example
   2. A summary of background information
   3. The author’s main claim supported by the premises
   4. The author’s recommendation restated as a premise

Introduction

Main point and main conclusion questions are frequent in LSAT Logical Reasoning and test your ability to identify the argument’s central claim—the statement the author aims to support. Accurate recognition of the main point is essential both for correct answers in main point questions and for overall argument analysis in the section.

This article addresses how to spot the main conclusion among premises, efficiently use logical structure clues, and avoid mistakes that cost points. We also provide strategies and worked examples mirroring exam expectations.

How to Spot Main Point and Main Conclusion Questions

Main point or main conclusion questions direct you to identify the primary claim the author wants the reader to believe. Common question stems include:

• “Which of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?”
• “What is the author’s main point?”
• “Which statement best expresses the argument’s main conclusion?”

Key to success is understanding how authors structure arguments and signal their claims.

Key Term: main conclusion
The author’s primary claim or assertion in an argument, supported by evidence, and the point the author wants the reader to accept.

Key Term: premise
A statement in the argument that provides support or evidence for the conclusion.

Recognizing Structural Indicators

Arguments may not always present the conclusion at the end. Use indicator words to distinguish premises from conclusions. Common conclusion indicators include:

• therefore
• thus
• so
• as a result
• consequently
• it follows that

Premise indicators include:

• because
• since
• given that
• for
• as

Spotting these is essential but not always foolproof; sometimes authors omit indicators, and exam writers may switch the order of conclusion and premise.

Argument Structure: Main vs. Subsidiary Conclusions

Sometimes, arguments have subsidiary (or intermediate) conclusions. The main conclusion is always the author’s overall claim—the one supported by all reasons provided, not just by other claims.

Key Term: subsidiary conclusion
An intermediate claim in the argument that is supported by premises and itself supports the main conclusion.

Worked Example 1.1

Stimulus:
“Recent studies show bicycle helmet use reduces head injuries. Laws requiring helmet use for children should be adopted, since childhood head injuries can lead to long-term problems.”

Question: What is the main conclusion?

Answer:
The main conclusion is “Laws requiring helmet use for children should be adopted.” The statement about head injuries is a premise supporting this claim.

How to Approach Main Point Questions

When answering main point questions:

1. Identify the author’s main claim—the one everything else supports.
2. Check for conclusion indicators but do not rely solely on them.
3. Use the “why” test: Ask, ‘Why did the author make this statement?’ If another statement in the argument provides the answer, that statement is likely a premise.
4. Ensure your answer fully summarizes the main conclusion—not just a supporting premise or background detail.

Exam Warning

For main point questions, do not simply pick a statement found in the last sentence of the argument. Exam writers often place conclusions elsewhere or mask them using elaborate supporting information. Always confirm the statement is broadly supported by the other sentences.

Main Point Traps and Common Mistakes

Watch for:

• Subsidiary conclusions: Often tempting, but not the author’s ultimate claim.
• Background information: May appear first or last but is not argumentative.
• Paraphrased premises: Complete and relevant, but do not capture the author’s main claim.

Worked Example 1.2

Stimulus:
“Some believe electronic books will never replace print books. However, e-books are gaining wide popularity for their convenience. Therefore, libraries should increase their digital collections.”

Which of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?

A) E-books are widely popular.
B) Some believe e-books will never replace print.
C) Libraries should increase their digital collections.
D) The convenience of e-books is their chief strength.

Answer:
C) “Libraries should increase their digital collections.” This is what the author tries to persuade the reader to accept.

Revision Tip

When in doubt, restate the argument in your own words and identify the statement all other sentences are meant to support. If you find multiple claims, ask which is justified by the others.

Efficient Elimination of Wrong Answers

When eliminating answer choices:

• Discard answers that repeat background or examples
• Discard restatements of premises unless they clearly function as the main claim
• Prefer the answer that, if true, covers the argument’s main thrust in one concise statement

Worked Example 1.3

Stimulus:
“Wildflower planting along highways has been shown to reduce maintenance costs. Thus, local governments should implement programs encouraging wildflower growth.”

What is the main conclusion?

Answer:
“Local governments should implement programs encouraging wildflower growth.” The first sentence is a fact supporting this recommendation.

Summary

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Recognition of main point and main conclusion question stems
• Methods for identifying the argument’s main conclusion
• Use of conclusion and premise indicators to analyse argument structure
• Common traps: subsidiary conclusions, background, paraphrased premises
• The “why” test as a tool for distinguishing claim types
• Practical process for selecting answer choices in main point questions

Key Terms and Concepts

• main conclusion
• premise
• subsidiary conclusion