LSAT Logic Language Builder: Mastering Premise and Conclusion Indicators
One of the biggest challenges for international and ESL students on the LSAT is understanding the structure of arguments—not just what is being said, but how it’s being said. The LSAT tests your ability to identify premises (supporting evidence) and conclusions (main points), and the key to unlocking this skill lies in recognizing logical indicator words.
At OpenWorld, we’ve created the Logic Language Builder to help you spot these signals quickly and confidently. Let’s break it down.
🎯 Why These Words Matter
The LSAT is full of arguments. Your job is to:
Identify what the author is trying to prove (conclusion)
Understand what reasons they give to support it (premises)
These roles are often introduced by specific words or phrases. Learning to recognize them will help you:
Read faster
Understand arguments more clearly
Avoid trap answers
🧩 Words That Introduce Conclusions
These words signal that the author is stating their main point—the idea they want you to believe.
Common Conclusion Indicators:
Thus
Therefore
In conclusion
Hence
Follows that
Shows
Consequently
As a result
So
Accordingly
Clearly
Example:
The defendant had no motive and was out of town at the time. Therefore, he could not have committed the crime.
🧠 Tip: When you see these words, ask yourself: “What is the author trying to prove?”
🧱 Words That Introduce Premises
These words signal that the author is giving reasons or evidence to support a conclusion.
Common Premise Indicators:
Because
For example
For
Since
Given that
Due to
Moreover
Furthermore
For this reason
Example:
The witness saw the suspect leave the scene, and the fingerprints matched. Therefore, he must be guilty.
🧠 Tip: When you see these words, ask: “What is this sentence trying to support?”
🛠️ How to Practice with the Logic Language Builder
Highlight Indicators
When reading LSAT questions or passages, underline or highlight conclusion and premise indicators.Create Your Own Arguments
Practice writing short arguments using these words. For example:
Since the roads are icy, the school will be closed.
Use Flashcards
Make flashcards with one indicator word on each. On the back, write whether it introduces a premise or a conclusion and an example sentence.Join a Study Group
Use OpenWorld’s Peer Study Buddy Match to practice identifying argument structures with a partner.
💬 Final Thought
Learning to reason like a lawyer starts with learning the language of logic. By mastering these key words, you’ll be able to break down arguments faster, understand them more deeply, and perform more confidently on the LSAT.
No shortcuts—just smart strategies. Let’s build your logic fluency, one word at a time.
