Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to identify strengthen and weaken question types in LSAT reading comprehension, understand how new information interacts with claims in the passage, and apply proven strategies to select correct answers and avoid attractive distractors. You will be able to analyse how arguments are reinforced or undermined by evidence, and recognize key logical concepts commonly tested.
LSAT Syllabus
For LSAT, you are required to understand how new information is used to strengthen or weaken claims within reading comprehension passages. You must be familiar with the following revision points:
- the typical structure of strengthen and weaken questions in LSAT reading comprehension
- how to determine what it means for information to support or undermine a claim
- the logic of argument structure within a passage and question stem
- strategies for identifying correct answers and eliminating common traps
- warning signs for extreme language and partially correct distractors
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.
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Which type of answer does a reading comprehension strengthen question most often require?
- An answer restating the main point
- An answer giving direct supporting evidence
- An answer introducing unrelated information
- An answer describing a counterexample
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Which of the following is most likely to weaken a claim made in a passage?
- Evidence that reinforces the main conclusion
- Evidence that suggests an alternative explanation
- Evidence that repeats a supporting example
- Evidence that highlights author’s tone
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When a question stem says, “Which of the following, if true, most undermines the author’s claim?”, what should you assume about the answer choices?
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True or false: In a reading comprehension strengthen/weaken question, the correct answer must be relevant to the specific claim discussed in the passage.
Introduction
LSAT reading comprehension passages sometimes include questions that ask you to use new information—provided in the answer choices—to strengthen or weaken a claim or argument presented in the passage. You must be able to assess how hypothetical evidence would affect the validity of a statement or position.
Key Term: strengthen question
A reading comprehension question asking you to select information that, if true, provides the most support for a claim or argument stated in the passage.Key Term: weaken question
A reading comprehension question asking you to select information that, if true, most undermines or casts doubt on a claim or argument in the passage.
Argument Structure in Reading Comprehension
Many reading comprehension passages contain arguments: statements supported by reasons or evidence, often to advance a theory, recommendation, or interpretation. When you encounter a question asking how new information would affect a claim, start by identifying the premises (the reasons given) and the conclusion (the main claim).
Key Term: premise
A statement in an argument that provides a reason to support the claim or conclusion.Key Term: conclusion
The main claim or argument in a passage, supported by one or more premises.
Recognizing Strengthen and Weaken Questions
Typical reading comprehension strengthen/weaken question stems include:
- "Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the author’s claim that…"
- "Which of the following, if true, most undermines the main point in line 32?"
- "Which of the following, if true, gives the most support for the author’s argument?"
To answer these, you must consider how the new information (each answer choice) would interact with the claim cited.
Worked Example 1.1
A passage says: “Organic farming can provide all the food needed for the world’s population. Recent studies have shown that organic yields are similar to conventional yields in many regions.”
Question: Which of the following, if true, most weakens the author’s claim?
A) Conventional farming uses more pesticides than organic
B) Many developing countries lack resources to implement organic methods
C) Organic yields can be lower than conventional yields during drought
D) The public is increasingly interested in organic food
E) Some organic farms use machinery powered by fossil fuels
Answer:
Choices B and C both challenge the author’s claim, but C most directly weakens the claim that organic methods can supply all food needs: if organic yields drop in drought, the universal claim is threatened. (A) is not directly relevant to food quantity; (D) and (E) are tangential.
How to Approach Support and Undermine Questions
For Strengthen Questions
- Focus on the stated claim or argument—what is the author trying to prove?
- Evaluate how each answer choice, if assumed true, would make the claim more persuasive or likely to be valid.
- The correct answer may give direct new evidence, strengthen a causal connection, or remove an alternative explanation.
For Weaken Questions
- Again, focus on the claim specifically referenced in the question—not the entire passage.
- The correct answer may introduce new evidence that contradicts or calls into question the argument’s main premise, suggests an alternative cause, exposes flawed reasoning, or weakens a connection.
- Incorrect answers may be irrelevant, repeat information, or even strengthen the argument.
Worked Example 1.2
The passage states: “The city’s bike program has reduced car usage among residents.”
Question: Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the author’s claim?
A) Bike sales have increased in the city over the past year
B) Carpooling rates have also increased among city workers
C) Public transport ticket sales have stayed constant
D) A city survey shows most new cyclists previously commuted by car
E) The city’s population has grown in recent months
Answer:
D strengthens the claim directly: if most new cyclists were previously drivers, the program can be credited for reducing car use. (A) does not say what people did before buying bikes; (B), (C), and (E) are not directly relevant to the argument.
Revision Tip
For strengthen/weaken questions, always locate the claim referenced in the question stem within the passage before evaluating any answer choices. This ensures you do not apply the new information to the wrong argument or detail.
Typical Errors and Traps
- Irrelevant Information: Many incorrect answer choices present facts that, even if true, have no effect on the claim.
- Extreme Language: Watch for choices using words like “always,” “none,” or “must,” unless the passage itself is equally definitive.
- Partly Right, Partly Wrong: A popular trick is to provide answers that start out correct but slip in a false or unsupported element midway through.
- Support/Attack the Wrong Part: Be certain the answer addresses the claim referenced in the question, not a different premise or conclusion elsewhere in the passage.
Exam Warning
Do not rely on your own outside knowledge to answer strengthen/weaken questions in reading comprehension. Base your analysis only on how the hypothetical new information connects to the specific claim cited in the passage.
Strategic Checklist
- Identify the claim, argument, or idea you are being asked about
- Determine whether the question asks to strengthen or weaken
- Consider how each answer, if assumed true, interacts logically with the claim
- Eliminate answers that are irrelevant, repeat information, or go in the opposite direction
- Select the answer that most directly supports or undermines the precise claim
Worked Example 1.3
Passage excerpt: “The restored city park is more environmentally friendly than before.”
Question: Which of the following, if true, most undermines the author’s point?
A) The park now has fewer trees than in previous years
B) A new public garden has been opened nearby
C) The city’s air pollution comes mainly from industry
D) The restoration improved walking paths
E) Most park visitors prefer the new playground
Answer:
A most directly weakens the claim: fewer trees mean potentially less environmental benefit. (B), (C), (D), and (E) are not directly relevant to the author’s claim about the park’s environmental friendliness.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Strengthen and weaken questions test how new information affects arguments in reading comprehension passages
- Correct answers must directly support or undermine the specific claim cited in the question stem
- Irrelevant, extreme, or partially correct answers are common traps to avoid
- For strengthen questions, the answer provides evidence that bridges a gap or rules out an alternative explanation
- For weaken questions, the answer often introduces an alternative explanation or exposes a flaw in reasoning
- Do not use outside knowledge—focus only on the passage and answer choices
Key Terms and Concepts
- strengthen question
- weaken question
- premise
- conclusion