Parallel Reasoning

STEP 1

Identify Question Type from Stem

Parallel Reasoning

"most similar in its reasoning"
"most similar in its pattern of reasoning"
"most closely parallels"

Parallel Flaw

"most similar in its flawed reasoning"
"contains a flaw most similar to"
"exhibits flawed reasoning most similar to"

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Stimulus

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STEP 2

Identify Premise and Conclusion

Find the conclusion first
Identify all premises supporting it

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STEP 3

Evaluate the Argument

Ask: What would YOU conclude from these premises?

Do the premises connect?

YES → What's the valid inference from the combination? Use that to evaluate the conclusion.
NO → Think about each premise separately when evaluating support for the conclusion.

Note: No gaps in Parallel Reasoning (gaps = Parallel Flaw)

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Abstract the Pattern

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STEP 4
Write the Abstract Structure
Describe how argument goes from premises → conclusion
Use abstract words that have nothing to do with the content
Doesn't have to be pretty — can be in your own words

                        Parallel Reasoning: Match the structure.
                        Example: "All A are B. X is A. Therefore, X is B." (valid)

                        Parallel Flaw: You're not matching structure — you're matching the FLAW.
                        Note the exact flaw (e.g., part to whole, sufficient/necessary mistake)

                        DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. If you're having trouble here, it will be worse in the answer choices. This is what cuts down time and improves accuracy.

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Strategy to help with time:
Shallow dip = quick scan before committing to a full read

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STEP 5

Strategize: Shallow Dip Markers

Based on YOUR abstract structure, what can you scan for first?

Example: If your structure is "All A are B. X is A. Therefore, X is B."

Look for strong language indicating "all" in premise AND conclusion

Example: If your structure is correlation to causation

Look for causal language in conclusion first

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Answer Choices

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STEP 6

Shallow Dip

Does this answer have your markers?
If NO → Don't eliminate, just move to next answer
If YES → Proceed to Step 7

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STEP 7

Read in Small Pieces

Read first part of answer
STOP and predict: "What does it need to say NEXT to be correct?"
Predicting helps you spot subtle trap answer choices
If it matches your prediction → read next small piece
Continue piece by piece until done

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STEP 8

Pick and Go

If an answer choice works → Select it and move on
Don't second-guess • Saves significant time

PARALLEL REASONING