Principle LSAT Questions

Quick answer: a Principle question deals with a general rule. Sometimes you find the rule that fits a specific case. Other times you are given a rule and find the case that fits it. Read the rule exactly, then check that every part matches.

How to Spot Principle Questions

Look for question stems like these:

• Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning?
• Which one of the following most closely conforms to the principle above?
• The reasoning above most closely conforms to which one of the following principles?

How to Solve Principle Questions

1. Decide which way the question runs: rule to case, or case to rule.
2. Break the rule into its conditions and its result.
3. Check each condition against the answer.
4. Make sure the result also matches.
5. Reject answers that only fit part of the rule.

Principle Questions Example

This is a practice example we wrote to show the idea. It is not a real LSAT question.

Argument: A store should refund a customer whenever an item arrives broken and the customer reports it within a week.

Question: Which case conforms to this principle?

Best answer: A customer reported a broken lamp two days after it arrived, and the store gave a refund.

Why: Both conditions are met: the item was broken and the report came within a week. The result also matches the rule.

Common Traps

• Answers that meet one condition but not both.
• Answers that have the right result for the wrong reason.
• Reversing the rule. A rule about when to refund does not say refunds happen only then.

Principle Questions FAQ

Is a principle like an assumption?

Yes, it is a general rule that can justify a conclusion, much like a broad assumption.

Does the case need to match every detail?

It must meet the rule’s conditions and result. Extra details do not matter.

Are these harder than other questions?

They use the same skills as Strengthen and Must Be True, just with general rules.

See all Logical Reasoning question types, read the Logical Reasoning guide, and practice with LSAC’s free official PrepTests.

Related LSAT Section Guides

• All LSAT section and question type guides
• LSAT Logical Reasoning guide
• Logical Reasoning question types
• LSAT Reading Comprehension guide
• Reading Comprehension question types