How to Solve LSAT “Evaluate” Questions

In this article, we’ll explore strategies for tackling LSAT “Evaluate” questions, which focus on assessing the strength of an argument's conclusion. We’ll guide you through identifying flaws in the argument, making effective predictions, and selecting the answer that best characterizes the argument’s validity.

What Are "Evaluate" Questions in the LSAT?

"Evaluate" questions on the LSAT ask you to determine what additional information would be most useful for assessing the validity of an argument's conclusion.

These Logical Reasoning questions focus on identifying the weaknesses or gaps in the argument by considering what evidence would help determine whether the conclusion is strongly or weakly supported by its premises. Essentially, you're tasked with figuring out which new information would most effectively clarify, strengthen, or undermine the argument, rather than simply supporting or refuting it.

Types of "Evaluate" Questions

These answer-driven questions ask you what information would most help you evaluate whether the main conclusion is true:

• Which one of the following would be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?

Make a Strong Prediction

In an Evaluate question, the argument must be flawed in some way. The best way to predict the correct answer is to identify this flaw by spotting lingering doubts, gaps in the argument’s logic, or assumed premises that are never explicitly said.

You’re not on anyone’s side in this argument—you’re just trying to figure out whether the conclusion is true or not. What evidence do you wish you had?

What to Look For in the Answer Choices

The correct answer won’t give you new information. Instead, it will ask you what new information you’d like to know. It can help or hurt the conclusion. Either way, you’re looking for the answer that would, if you learned its content, do the most to help or hurt the main conclusion.

So as you read each answer, ask yourself:

• Would the information in this answer either help or hurt the conclusion more than the other four answers?

All things equal, strongly-worded answer choices tend to provide stronger evidence (whether in favor of or against the argument). However, don’t forget that content is more important than word strength.

More on Solving LSAT "Evaluate" Questions

How to answer a question that says evaluate?

To answer a question that asks you to evaluate, focus on determining what additional information would be most valuable in assessing the strength or validity of the argument's conclusion. Identify any weaknesses, gaps, or assumptions in the argument, then evaluate what new information would most effectively address these issues, either by strengthening or challenging the argument. The correct answer highlights the information you need to fully understand the argument’s strength or weakness.

What are examples of Evaluate questions?

Examples of Evaluate questions on the LSAT might include prompts such as: "Which one of the following would be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?" or "Which statement would most help determine whether the main conclusion is supported by the evidence?" These questions often present an argument with identifiable weaknesses or gaps and ask you to choose the information that would best address these issues, to assess the overall strength or validity of the conclusion.