7.1 Main Conclusion & Role of Statement Questions
Key Takeaways
- The Main Conclusion of an LSAT argument is the ultimate claim that all premises support; intermediate conclusions serve a dual role by following from evidence while supporting the final takeaway.
- Main Conclusion questions require identifying the author's primary thesis without evaluating its logical validity, whereas Role of Statement questions require abstractly describing the structural function of a specified sentence.
- Structural indicator words like 'therefore', 'thus', and 'hence' often signal intermediate steps; when 'however' or 'but' shifts from a counterargument, the sentence immediately following is frequently the main conclusion.
- The 'Therefore Test' places candidate statements side-by-side using the structure '[Statement A]; therefore, [Statement B]' to conclusively determine which statement acts as the premise and which acts as the conclusion.
- Wrong answer choices in Role of Statement questions routinely misidentify premises as conclusions, confuse subsidiary conclusions with main conclusions, or accurately describe a claim's content while misrepresenting its structural utility.
Mastering Argument Architecture on the LSAT
Every argument on the LSAT Logical Reasoning section is a constructed hierarchy of statements designed to persuade the reader of a central point. To excel on structural questions, you must learn to read arguments not as collections of facts, but as functional blueprints. Your primary task is to distinguish the central claim the author wants you to accept from the evidence, contextual background, counterarguments, and intermediate steps used to build that claim.
Structural questions fall into two primary types:
- Main Conclusion Questions: Demand that you locate and accurately paraphrase the argument's ultimate thesis.
- Role of Statement Questions: Demand that you describe the abstract structural function of a specific sentence or clause within the overall argument.
The Anatomy of an LSAT Argument
An LSAT argument is composed of several distinct functional building blocks. Understanding how these elements interact is essential for both question types.
| Structural Element | Definition | Functional Role in Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Main Conclusion | The final, overarching claim that the argument aims to establish. | Supported by premises/intermediate conclusions; supports nothing else. |
| Intermediate Conclusion | A claim that is supported by basic premises but also acts as support for the main conclusion. | Supported by evidence; actively supports the main conclusion. |
| Basic Premise | A factual assertion, principle, or piece of evidence offered as direct support. | Supports conclusions; receives no support within the argument. |
| Background / Context | Introductory facts or definitions that set the stage for the argument. | Provides neutral context; does not offer logical support or draw conclusions. |
| Counter-Premise / Opposing View | A claim, objection, or concession representing an opposing perspective. | Acknowledged to be refuted, qualified, or set up as a target for the main conclusion. |
Main Conclusion Questions
Stem Recognition
Main Conclusion question stems are straightforward and explicitly ask for the central point:
- "Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?"
- "Which one of the following best summarizes the main point of the argument?"
- "The overall conclusion of the argument is that..."
Structural Indicators vs. Structural Pivots
While indicator words like therefore, thus, hence, so, and consequently typically introduce conclusions, test makers frequently use them to signpost intermediate conclusions rather than the main conclusion. Conversely, main conclusions are often introduced by pivot words that signal a shift from an opposing viewpoint to the author's actual position.
- Pivot Indicators: However, But, Yet, Nonetheless, In contrast, On the contrary.
- Classic LSAT Pattern: The stimulus opens with a common belief or an opponent's argument ("Many paleontologists believe that dinosaurs were cold-blooded..."). This is immediately followed by a pivot ("However, recent bone density analyses contradict this assumption..."). The sentence immediately following the pivot is almost always the main conclusion of the argument!
The "Therefore Test" (Subordination Test)
When you are torn between two candidate statements—Statement A and Statement B—and cannot tell which is the main conclusion and which is an intermediate conclusion, apply the Therefore Test:
- Try: [Statement A]; therefore, [Statement B].
- Try: [Statement B]; therefore, [Statement A].
Ask yourself which direction makes logical sense. The statement that naturally follows as the logical result of the other is the main conclusion, while the supporting statement is the premise or intermediate conclusion.
Role of Statement Questions
Stem Recognition
Role of Statement questions isolate a specific sentence or clause from the stimulus and ask you to define its purpose:
- "Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that [Statement X]?"
- "The statement that [Statement X] figures in the argument in which one of the following ways?"
- "Which one of the following is the function of the claim that [Statement X]?"
Decoupling Content from Function
Success on Role of Statement questions requires decoupling what the statement says from what the statement does. Incorrect choices frequently provide accurate paraphrases of the statement's content while completely mischaracterizing its structural function. You must evaluate how the sentence connects to surrounding sentences.
Abstract Vocabulary Reference Guide
LSAT answer choices use standardized abstract language to describe structural roles. Master these translations:
- "It is a claim for which no argument is given..." → It is a basic premise (given as an unproven fact).
- "It is a claim that is offered in support of a subsidiary conclusion..." → It is a premise supporting an intermediate step.
- "It is a conclusion for which support is provided and which itself is used to support..." → It is an intermediate/subsidiary conclusion.
- "It is a position that the argument as a whole is directed at refuting..." → It is the opposing viewpoint / counter-thesis.
- "It is a concession intended to weaken the force of a counterargument..." → It is a counter-premise acknowledging a limitation.
Common Traps on Main Conclusion & Role Questions
- The Subsidiary Conclusion Trap: Selecting an intermediate conclusion that is strongly supported by evidence but is ultimately used as a stepping stone to establish the final thesis.
- The Accurate Paraphrase Trap: Selecting an answer choice that accurately restates a prominent premise from the stimulus when the question asked for the main conclusion.
- Mischaracterizing the Target of Support: In Role of Statement questions, choosing an option that correctly identifies the statement as a premise, but incorrectly identifies which conclusion it directly supports.
- Confusing Opposing Views with Author Claims: Attributing a statement introduced as background context or opposing commentary to the author's personal stance.
Read the following argument: 'Many urban planners argue that building additional highway lanes reduces traffic congestion. However, empirical studies show that increased road capacity simply induces more vehicle travel. Because induced demand rapidly consumes any temporary capacity gains, expanding highways fails to solve long-term traffic problems. Municipalities should therefore reallocate funds from highway expansion to public transit infrastructure.' Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?
Read the following argument: 'Astronomers historically assumed that solar systems like ours were standard throughout the galaxy. However, recent observations of exoplanets have revealed numerous "hot Jupiters"—giant gas planets orbiting extraordinarily close to their host stars. Because gas giants can only form in cold outer regions of stellar disks, these planets must have migrated inward after formation. Thus, planetary migration is a common feature of stellar system evolution.' In the argument, the statement that 'gas giants can only form in cold outer regions of stellar disks' plays which one of the following roles?
Read the following argument: 'Critics of strict copyright laws argue that digital sharing enhances cultural dissemination. Nonetheless, unauthorized distribution deprives creators of fair compensation, which in turn diminishes their financial incentive to produce new artistic works. Since artistic creation requires substantial investment of time and resources, unchecked digital sharing ultimately impoverishes cultural production. Therefore, strict copyright regulations must be enforced.' In the argument, the claim that 'artistic creation requires substantial investment of time and resources' functions as:
Read the following argument: 'Cognitive scientists have long maintained that memory consolidation occurs exclusively during deep slow-wave sleep. However, recent neurological recordings reveal significant memory replay occurring during brief periods of quiet wakefulness. This demonstrates that memory consolidation is not restricted to sleep states. Consequently, existing models of human learning must be revised to incorporate wakeful rest periods.' Which one of the following best identifies the main conclusion of the argument?