Parallel Reasoning LSAT Questions

Quick answer: a Parallel Reasoning question asks which answer has the same structure as the argument. The topic does not matter. These can take time, so reduce the argument to a simple pattern and compare answers quickly.

How to Spot Parallel Reasoning Questions

Look for question stems like these:

• Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its reasoning to the argument above?
• The pattern of reasoning in which one of the following is most similar to that above?
• Which one of the following exhibits flawed reasoning most similar to the above?

How to Solve Parallel Reasoning Questions

1. Reduce the argument to a pattern, like “All A are B. C is A. So C is B.”
2. Note the type of conclusion: certain, likely, a rule or a recommendation.
3. Cut answers whose conclusion type does not match.
4. Compare the rest piece by piece.
5. If the original is flawed, the answer must have the same flaw.

Parallel Reasoning Questions Example

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

Argument: All cats are mammals. Tom is a cat. So Tom is a mammal.

Question: Which answer has the same reasoning?

Best answer: All oaks are trees. This plant is an oak. So this plant is a tree.

Why: Both follow the same pattern: all A are B, C is A, so C is B. The topic changed, and the structure stayed the same.

Common Traps

• Answers on a similar topic with a different structure.
• Answers with the same parts in a different logical order.
• Matching the wording instead of the logic.

Parallel Reasoning Questions FAQ

Should I do Parallel questions last?

Many students skip them on a first pass because they take time. Do what suits your timing.

Do the sentences need to be in the same order?

No. The logic must match, not the order.

What is a Parallel Flaw question?

The original has a mistake, and you pick the answer with the same mistake.

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