Flaw questions in the LSAT present an argument and ask you to identify the specific flaw in its reasoning. You'll be given several answer choices, and your task is to select the one that best describes the argument's weakness.

This article will equip you with the skills to identify and pinpoint the logical flaws in arguments presented on the LSAT. You'll learn to recognize common fallacies and analyze arguments critically, so you can confidently select the correct answer choice that accurately describes the argument's weakness. Mastering this question type is essential if you want to achieve a high LSAT score.

What Are Flaw Questions in the LSAT?

Flaw questions are found in the Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT. These passage-driven questions ask you to find the answer that describes a flaw in the given argument:

• Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the argument?
• Which one of the following most accurately describes the reporter’s error in reasoning?
• The argument above is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it…
• The reasoning in the argument is questionable because the argument…

If you see the word “EXCEPT” in a Flaw question, then the argument has several flaws. The wrong answers will each describe a problem with the argument. The correct answer will describe something that either doesn’t happen in the argument or isn’t a problem for the argument.

Make a Strong Prediction

Ideally, you’ll have already pinpointed at least one problem in a Flaw question after carefully reading the argument. But if not, take a moment to find one. Here’s how:

1. Find the main conclusion. (If you have trouble, refresh your memory on argument parts and indicators.)
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2. ‍Find the premises. Don’t assume that all the statements other than the main conclusion are premises. The passage might include an opposing viewpoint, some background information, or a concession.‍
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3. Figure out why the premises don’t prove the main conclusion. Even when you accept the premises as true, the flaw prevents the conclusion from being proven.

Focus on exactly what the argument is saying to avoid subconsciously helping it. Don’t make the very assumptions that the test writers are trying to hide.

Many arguments have more than one problem. After you spot one or two, those are your predictions. It’s time to read the answers.

Two Questions to Catch Wrong Answer Choices

Weed out incorrect answer choices in a Flaw question by asking yourself these two questions:

1. Does this answer describe something that the argument actually does? If not, it’s not the correct answer. Move on. If it does match something in the argument, proceed to question
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2. Does this answer describe a problem for this particular argument?