LSAT Strengthen Questions, Explained
Strengthen questions ask: which answer choice makes the argument's conclusion more likely to be true? You're not proving the conclusion — you're giving it better support. Think of the argument as a bridge with a missing plank, and your job is to find the plank.
How to approach them
- Find the conclusion and the evidence, like always.
- Find the gap — the assumption the argument needs but doesn't state.
- Look for the answer that fills that gap: new evidence that connects the dots, rules out an alternative explanation, or confirms the assumption.
- Don't overthink it. The right answer doesn't have to prove the conclusion — it just has to help. "Strengthen" means stronger, not airtight.
The trap to watch for
Trap answers often strengthen a conclusion the argument didn't make, or they repeat the evidence in fancier words without adding support. If the answer doesn't close the specific gap you found, it's wrong.
Know your starting point
Take the free diagnostic — you'll see exactly which question types are costing you points, including strengthen.