Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to explain the two main types of LSAT principle questions: applying a principle to a scenario and identifying the principle fundamental to a given argument. You will know how to recognize principle question stems, translate general rules into specific cases, and select answer choices that match the logical structure required by the exam. You will also learn effective techniques for eliminating distractors and avoiding common errors.
LSAT Syllabus
For LSAT, you are required to understand how questions involving general rules and abstract principles evaluate argument strength and logic. Principle questions may ask you to apply a general principle to a concrete case, or to identify the principle that best matches a reasoning pattern. In your revision, focus on:
- how to recognize and interpret principle question stems
- approaches for applying general principles to specific scenarios
- techniques for extracting or matching the fundamental principle of an argument
- selection of answer choices that most closely conform to a required logical rule or structure
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.
- What is the essential difference between an "apply the principle" question and an "identify the principle" question on the LSAT?
- Which of the following is most likely to be a principle question stem? a) Which one of the following best illustrates the principle above? b) What assumption does the argument require? c) Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument? d) What can be properly inferred from the passage?
- True or false? In a principle question, the correct answer must always paraphrase the specific content of the stimulus.
- In principle apply questions, what is the first step you should take before evaluating the answer choices?
Introduction
Principle questions are a distinctive group in LSAT Logical Reasoning. These questions test your ability to use general rules to reason about specific situations, or to abstract the logic of an argument into a general principle. Success depends on recognizing the two main types—apply principle and identify principle—and knowing how to match logical structure, not merely superficial similarities.
Key Term: principle question
A Logical Reasoning question type requiring you to either apply a given general rule to a scenario or identify the implicit general rule that justifies an argument.
APPLYING PRINCIPLES TO CASES
Some LSAT questions provide a general rule (or principle) in the stimulus and ask you to select the answer choice that best fits or illustrates this rule in practice.
Key Term: apply principle
A question type where you are given a general statement and must choose the case that best fits or most closely follows the principle.
Such questions typically use stems like: "Which one of the following best illustrates the principle above?" or "Which one of the following cases most closely conforms to the principle stated in the passage?"
The principle may be stated in abstract moral, legal, or logical terms. Your task is to map this principle to an example among the answer choices. It is essential not to get distracted by surface details—focus on how the structure of the situation in the answer fits the logic of the principle.
Worked Example 1.1
Principle: "If acting causes harm, then acting is wrong."
Which scenario best conforms to the principle above?
A) A man tells a white lie to avoid hurting a friend's feelings.
B) A driver speeds to get to work early, causing an accident.
C) A scientist publishes controversial but harmless findings.
D) An employee misses work due to illness.
E) A bystander intervenes to prevent minor vandalism.
Answer:
Choice B. The scenario describes an action ("speeds to get to work early") that causes harm ("causing an accident"), fitting the structure: acting + harm → wrong action. The principle does not require the harm to be intentional.
Revision Tip
For principle apply questions, identify the logical conditions required by the rule. Ignore irrelevant details in the answer choices.
IDENTIFYING PRINCIPLES
Other LSAT questions present a specific argument or situation and ask you to identify, generalize, or select the principle that justifies, supports, or matches the argument's reasoning.
Key Term: identify principle
A question type where you must select the general rule (from several options) that best justifies or matches the given argument.
These questions commonly use stems like: "Which one of the following principles justifies the reasoning in the argument above?" or "The argument most closely conforms to which of the following principles?"
In these cases, your strategy should be to restate the reasoning of the argument in general terms—stripping away specifics—then look for an answer that matches this generalization without being too narrow or too broad.
Worked Example 1.2
Argument: "Refusing to apologize after making a mistake is unfair. Everyone who harms someone else should make amends."
Which principle justifies the argument?
A) People must apologize for any action, whether harmful or not.
B) An apology is only needed for intentional wrongdoing.
C) Making amends is required whenever harm is caused.
D) Only serious mistakes require apologies.
E) Apologies fix all problems.
Answer:
Choice C. The principle generalizes to: "Making amends is required whenever harm is caused," matching the reasoning that anyone who harms another should act to correct it. Other options are too narrow, too broad, or distort the stimulus logic.
Exam Warning
Do not select an answer because it matches only words or superficial ideas. Match the reasoning pattern, not the context.
HOW TO APPROACH PRINCIPLE QUESTIONS
Step 1: Recognize the Question Type
- Apply Principle: Principle provided; select which case/answer illustrates it.
- Identify Principle: Argument provided; select/abstract the rule the argument follows.
Step 2: Abstract the Logic
- For apply principle, break the rule into conditional or logical steps.
- For identify principle, paraphrase the core reasoning in general terms.
Step 3: Match Logical Structure
- Find the answer that fits the requirements. Do not be distracted by matching similar topics or facts.
Step 4: Eliminate Extreme or Irrelevant Answers
- Discard answers with absolute language unless warranted by the principle.
- Remove choices that go beyond or fall short of the necessary logic.
Worked Example 1.3
Stimulus: "It is wrong to punish a person for actions that do not hurt anyone."
Which principle does this argument most closely follow?
A) All harmless actions should not be penalized.
B) Laws should be enforced strictly in all cases.
C) People rarely intend to cause harm.
D) Punishment is only justified for repeat offenses.
E) Harmful actions may sometimes be excused.
Answer:
Choice A. The argument’s logic is: no harm → no punishment. That's restated in general terms in A, while B, C, D, E do not capture the specific link the argument requires.
TACKLING PRINCIPLE QUESTION DISTRACTORS
LSAT principle questions often include tempting wrong answers that:
- Restate specifics rather than generalizing.
- Are too absolute or too limited.
- Omit required parts of the logic.
- Use similar language but mismatch the core logic.
Revision Tip (Principle Distractors)
For any principle question, check that the answer matches all necessary and sufficient conditions set by the rule or the argument.
Summary
| Principle Question Type | What You Do | Main Pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Apply Principle | Map rule to a scenario | Choosing superficially similar |
| Identify Principle | Generalize argument | Choosing too narrow/general rule |
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- There are two LSAT principle question types: apply principle and identify principle.
- Principle questions focus on abstract general rules, not case facts.
- Applying a principle means mapping the rule's logic to a scenario.
- Identifying a principle means generalizing the argument and matching to rules.
- Success depends on matching logical structure, not topics or surface details.
- Extreme or vague answer choices are often incorrect.
- Always abstract reasoning before selecting an answer.
Key Terms and Concepts
- principle question
- apply principle
- identify principle