Reading comprehension question types - Analogy and parallel ...

Learning Outcomes

By reading this article, you will understand how LSAT Reading Comprehension assesses analogy and parallel reasoning skills. You will be able to recognize analogy and parallel reasoning question stems, apply logical mapping to match abstract argument structures, distinguish logical from superficial parallels, and apply targeted strategies to eliminate confusing wrong answers. This will improve your confidence and accuracy in handling these challenging question types.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand the range of reading comprehension question types that test logical comparison and structural reasoning. Special focus for exam revision includes:

• identifying and interpreting analogy questions within passage-based reading comprehension
• recognizing and analyzing parallel reasoning questions and logical structure in reading comprehension passages
• determining argument abstract structure and assessing answer choices for logical similarity rather than surface features
• developing strategic approaches to analogy and parallel question types (diagramming, elimination, argument mapping)

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 is most likely an LSAT analogy question stem?
   1. The passage is primarily concerned with...
   2. The structure of the second paragraph can best be described as...
   3. Which of the following is most analogous to the situation described in the passage?
   4. According to the author...

2. True or false? On LSAT, parallel reasoning questions require you to match the logical structure of the original passage, not merely the order of facts or the topic.

3. A passage presents a decision-making dilemma for a city council. Which answer choice would be a logical parallel?
   1. Determining the nutritional profile of two fruits
   2. A school principal weighing two conflicting policies before making a choice
   3. Listing the population growth of neighbouring cities
   4. Quoting definitions of related legal terms

4. What is the main strategy for analogy and parallel reasoning questions: a) Find same-topic choices, b) Map abstract logic before reviewing choices, c) Look only at the conclusion, or d) Choose the longest answer?

Introduction

When reading comprehension passages include analogy or parallel reasoning questions, you are tested on the ability to compare argument structures, not just content. These questions require abstract thinking and precise attention to logical relationships, as the examiners design tempting wrong answers based on topic or superficial similarity. For the LSAT, success in these questions demonstrates the type of analytical skill expected in law school—matching legal principles to new scenarios, or drawing reasoning analogies across cases.

Key Term: analogy question
A question type that asks you to find an answer choice similar in logical relationship, structure, or function, not necessarily in topic or detail.

Key Term: parallel reasoning question
A question that requires you to identify which answer option has the same logical structure as the original argument or situation presented in the passage.

Key Term: logical structure
The abstract pattern or reasoning method by which an argument draws its conclusion from its stated premises.

RECOGNIZING ANALOGY QUESTIONS

Analogy questions in LSAT passages usually ask which scenario, principle, or relationship among the answer choices is most similar—logically or functionally—to the situation, claim, or principle described in the passage, or in a specified paragraph. Watch for stems containing "most analogous," "most similar," or "principle most similar."

Worked Example 1.1

Passage summary: A judge must either recuse herself from a case or risk an appearance of bias.

Question: Which situation is most analogous to the judge’s dilemma?
A. A chef choosing which cuisine to make
B. A referee stepping aside from a game where her sibling is playing
C. A teacher writing an exam for unfamiliar students
D. A manager calculating staff payroll

Answer:
B is correct. The reasoning is parallel: a referee, like the judge, faces a conflict of interest—they must choose between participating (risking bias) or stepping aside.

Revision Tip

When approaching analogy questions, rephrase the key dilemma, rule, or relationship in abstract terms before reviewing the answer choices. Ask: "What is the logic, stripped of context?"

UNDERSTANDING PARALLEL REASONING

Parallel reasoning questions are more complex and require mapping the logical form of the original passage’s argument. The answer choices often use distractor topics and surface similarities (identical facts, terms, or settings) to trap candidates. The correct answer is the one that matches both the conclusion type (e.g., conditional, causal, either/or) and the pattern of support, not superficial details.

Worked Example 1.2

Original argument: "All licensed taxi drivers passed a background check. Jamie is a licensed taxi driver. Therefore, Jamie passed a background check."

Which of the following arguments shares the most similar logical reasoning?
A. All musicians play piano. Lucy plays piano. Lucy is a musician.
B. All certified lawyers passed an ethics exam. Mark is a certified lawyer. Therefore, Mark passed an ethics exam.
C. Some buses stop late. This bus is late. Therefore, it stopped.
D. Jamie passed a background check, so Jamie is a licensed taxi driver.

Answer:
B is correct. The argument structure is the same: All X are Y. Z is X. Therefore, Z is Y.

Exam Warning

Parallel reasoning questions almost always require you to judge the logic rather than the order or content of facts. Eliminating surface matches may leave only one valid logical choice—even if its topic is entirely different.

STRATEGIC STEPS FOR ANALOGY AND PARALLEL QUESTIONS

1. Abstract the passage's relationship or argument. Reduce it to general variables (e.g., "If someone did X, then they must Y").
2. Annotate the logical structure and the conclusion type (e.g., conditional, causal, dilemma).
3. Predict a parallel before reviewing answer choices. Don't jump straight to answers that "sound right" or repeat key words—these often hide traps.
4. Eliminate answers that match on topic but not logic.
5. If stuck between two choices, map both answer's logic fully. Differences usually become obvious.

Worked Example 1.3

Passage: "The school will install a new security system only if at least two teachers request it. At least two teachers did not request it. Therefore, the system will not be installed."

Which choice is most logically parallel?
A. A club orders pizza if half the members ask for it. Fewer than half ask, so no pizza is ordered.
B. A shop offers discounts some months. July is not one, so the shop is not open.
C. If a car is serviced, it runs well. The car runs well, so it was serviced.
D. The teacher didn't request the system, so it won't be installed.

Answer:
A is correct. Both arguments use the same "only if" condition, and both reach the same negative conclusion from the absence of the necessary requirement.

COMMON LOGICAL STRUCTURES TESTED

Examiners may use several structure types for analogy and parallel reasoning questions:

• Conditional ("if/then" or "only if")
• Dilemma ("either/or," forced choice)
• Causal ("because," "so," "since")
• Principle-based ("whenever," "anyone who," "every time")
• Explaining a result by eliminating rival explanations

Recognizing structure makes identification of correct answers faster and more reliable.

Key Term: conditional reasoning
Arguments relying on "if/then" relationships, where a conclusion is triggered or blocked by the presence or absence of certain conditions.

TYPICAL CHALLENGES AND MISTAKES

Parallel and analogy questions aim to confuse by offering answer choices which sound similar in wording or content but differ logically. Key challenges include:

• Focusing on identical phrases or terms rather than the fundamental logic
• Ignoring the argument's conclusion type (universal, particular, negative, prescriptive)
• Misreading "only if" and other conditionals, or flipping conditions incorrectly

Revision Tip 2

Practice diagramming conditionals and mapping argument steps in plain variables (A, B, C). Doing this under time limits greatly aids recognition in exam conditions.

SUMMARY TABLE: ANALOGY VS PARALLEL REASONING

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• The function and assessment focus of LSAT analogy and parallel reasoning questions
• How to abstract the logic and structure of a passage's argument or situation
• Steps for eliminating superficial matches and recognizing correct logical parallels
• Diagramming and mapping argument structures to improve identification of parallel patterns
• Avoiding common mistakes—such as matching by content or terms, not logic—that lead to wrong answers

Key Terms and Concepts

• analogy question
• parallel reasoning question
• logical structure
• conditional reasoning