Identifying Conclusions

Start Here

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STEP 1

Memorize Conclusion Indicators

When you see these words, what comes after them is almost always the conclusion.

therefore hence so thus consequently it follows that

Example

"All birds have feathers. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins have feathers."

"Therefore" signals the conclusion → "penguins have feathers" is the conclusion.

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STEP 2

Memorize Premise Indicators

These words signal supporting evidence — what comes after them is not the conclusion. Use process of elimination.

because for since given that as indicated by

Example

"Penguins have feathers because all birds have feathers and penguins are birds."

"Because" signals the premise → everything after it is support. What's left — "penguins have feathers" — is the conclusion.

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Steps 1 & 2 are your foundation. Memorize these indicators and you'll catch the conclusion in most stimuli. But many LSAT questions don't include indicator words — that's where the advanced strategies come in.

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Advanced

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STEP 3
The "Why Test"

                    When there are no indicator words, take two sentences and plug them into this template:
                    "Because [Sentence A], therefore [Sentence B]."
                            If the logical flow makes sense → Sentence B is the conclusion

                            If it doesn't make sense → flip them and try again
                        
Example
"The restaurant is always crowded. The food must be good."

                            No indicator words. So test it:

                            "Because the restaurant is always crowded, therefore the food must be good." ✓ Makes sense.

                            Flip: "Because the food must be good, therefore the restaurant is always crowded." ✗ Awkward.

                            → "The food must be good" is the conclusion.
                        
                        This is the game-changer. The Why Test works even when there are zero indicator words. Practice it until it becomes automatic.

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STEP 4
The Habit: Opinion vs. Fact

                    As you read each sentence, ask: does this sound like something the author needs to support?
                        If it's a fact — just how the world is; something observable or given
                        Likely a premise or context

                        If it's an opinion — a judgment, interpretation, or claim about what should be
                        Likely the conclusion

Example
"Sales increased 30% last quarter. Clearly, the new marketing strategy is effective."

                            "Sales increased 30%" → Fact. Just data. (Premise)

                            "The new marketing strategy is effective" → Opinion. The author is making a claim that needs support. (Conclusion)
                        
                        Build this into how you read. Don't wait to finish the stimulus — evaluate each sentence as you go. This is what separates active readers from passive ones.

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Putting It All Together

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SUMMARY

Your System for Every Stimulus

Highlight conclusion indicators (therefore, hence, so...)
Highlight premise indicators (because, since, for...) and eliminate
No indicators? Use the Why Test — "Because [A], therefore [B]"
As you read: Ask — is this just a fact, or something that needs support?

IDENTIFYING CONCLUSIONS