Resist the Urge to Diagram on Logical Reasoning

One of the most commonly taught LSAT Logical Reasoning strategies is diagramming. You’ve probably seen it before—with arrows, squiggly lines, and abbreviations, Logical Reasoning diagrams look like a boatload of gibberish.

It's safe to say that using this method in the LSAT is often counterproductive, leading to confusion and wasted time.

In this article, we’ll explain why it's more effective to understand arguments in your own words rather than relying on diagrams. We’ll explore how common sense and clear thinking can help you grasp the logic behind arguments more quickly and accurately, allowing you to avoid the pitfalls of overcomplicating simple concepts.

An Example of Diagramming to Solve an LSAT Question And Why You Shouldn't Do It

Consider this argument: “All elephants are pink. Dumbo is an elephant. Therefore, Dumbo is pink.” Another LSAT instructor may tell you to notate the argument as follows:

E → Pink and Not Pink → Not E

D → E and Not E → Not D

Therefore, D → Pink and Not Pink → Not D

Maybe these notations make sense to you. Maybe they don’t. Either way, writing them down is counterproductive. It’s easier to understand an argument using common sense than to doodle it out.

Given that “Dumbo is an elephant,” common sense tells us that if something is not an elephant, it can’t be Dumbo. Restating a conditional claim in this way is sometimes called identifying the “contrapositive,” but Thinking LSAT and LSAT Demon teachers avoid unnecessary jargon in lessons.

Diagramming takes a long time and is susceptible to mistakes. Time spent drawing arrows and rewording the exact same information in different ways could be better spent actually understanding the argument.

The Better Alternative to Diagramming in the LSAT: Understand the Argument in Your Own Words

If you get stuck on any part of an argument (in this case, if you can’t wrap your mind around the idea that all elephants are pink), try to visualize it. Don’t diagram it abstractly on paper, or you will only compound your confusion.

More on Diagramming in LSAT Logical Reasoning Questions

Is it necessary to diagram in LSAT Logical Reasoning?

No, it is not necessary to diagram in LSAT Logical Reasoning. While diagramming is a common strategy, it can often be counterproductive, leading to confusion and errors. Instead, focus on understanding the argument in your own words, using common sense to analyze the logic of each argument. This approach is more efficient and effective than relying on diagrams.

How do you beat Logical Reasoning?

To do your very best in LSAT Logical Reasoning, prioritize understanding the argument's structure and reasoning. Engage actively with each sentence, restate arguments in simple terms, and make predictions before you review the answer choices. Avoid overcomplicating the answering process with diagrams—it's better to use clear thinking and careful reading to evaluate the argument and choose the correct answer.