Types of Conclusions: Complete LSAT Prep Guide
Understanding the two types of conclusions is fundamental to LSAT Logical Reasoning success. According to LSAC, recognizing the parts of an argument and their relationships is one of the ten core skills tested in Logical Reasoning. Mastering main conclusions and intermediate conclusions is essential for Main Point questions and for analyzing argument structure across all question types.
The Two Types of Conclusions on the LSAT
Every LSAT argument can contain two distinct types of conclusions, each serving a different role in the argument's logical structure. Understanding this distinction is crucial because confusing them leads to incorrect answers, particularly on Main Point questions.
The Conclusion Hierarchy:
\[ \text{Premises} \rightarrow \text{Intermediate Conclusion} \rightarrow \text{Main Conclusion} \]
Evidence supports stepping stones, which support the ultimate claim
🎯 Main Conclusion
Definition: The ultimate claim the author wants you to accept—the primary point of the entire argument.
Function: Receives support from all other statements but doesn't support anything else.
Frequency: Every argument has exactly ONE main conclusion.
🔗 Intermediate Conclusion
Definition: A stepping stone toward the main conclusion—serves dual roles as both conclusion and premise.
Function: Is supported BY premises AND supports the main conclusion.
Frequency: Arguments may have zero, one, or multiple intermediate conclusions.
Main Conclusions: The Ultimate Point
📍 Understanding Main Conclusions
The main conclusion is the central claim that the author's entire argument seeks to establish. It's the reason the argument exists—the ultimate statement the author wants you to accept as true based on the evidence and reasoning provided.
Key Characteristics of Main Conclusions:
- Ultimate Goal: This is what the author fundamentally wants to prove—the "So what?" of the argument
- Receives Support Only: Other statements support it, but it doesn't support anything else
- One Per Argument: Every argument has exactly one main conclusion (though it might have multiple parts or clauses)
- Can Appear Anywhere: Beginning, middle, or end of the argument—position doesn't determine function
- Often Has Opinion Language: Uses words like "should," "must," "ought," "probably," indicating a claim to be proven
Main Conclusion Example:
Argument:
"Studies show that people who commute by bicycle are healthier than car commuters. Additionally, cycling reduces traffic congestion and pollution. Therefore, cities should invest in bicycle infrastructure."
Main Conclusion: "Cities should invest in bicycle infrastructure"
Why it's the Main Conclusion:
- It's what the author ultimately wants you to accept
- All other statements (health benefits, reduced congestion/pollution) support this claim
- This statement doesn't support any other claim in the argument
- It's signaled by "therefore" but more importantly, it's the ultimate recommendation
How to Identify Main Conclusions
Technique 1: The "Ultimate Point" Question
Ask yourself: "What is the author ULTIMATELY trying to convince me of?"
Why it works: This question forces you to distinguish between supporting points and the final claim. The answer is always the main conclusion.
Application Example:
Argument: "Regular meditation reduces stress. Stress causes numerous health problems. Therefore, meditation improves health. Everyone seeking better health should meditate daily."
Ask: What is the author ULTIMATELY trying to convince me of?
Answer: That "everyone seeking better health should meditate daily" (not just that meditation improves health)
Technique 2: The "Therefore Test"
How to use it: When you have two potential conclusions, state them in both possible orders with "therefore" between them. The order that makes logical sense reveals which supports which.
Steps:
- Identify two statements that might be conclusions
- State: Statement A, therefore Statement B
- Test reverse: Statement B, therefore Statement A
- The arrangement that makes logical sense shows the main conclusion (it comes AFTER "therefore")
Therefore Test in Action:
Two Potential Conclusions:
A) "Meditation improves health"
B) "Everyone should meditate daily"
Test Order 1: "Meditation improves health, therefore everyone should meditate daily" ✓ Makes sense!
Test Order 2: "Everyone should meditate daily, therefore meditation improves health" ✗ Doesn't make sense
Conclusion: B is the main conclusion (it comes after "therefore" in the sensible arrangement). A is an intermediate conclusion supporting B.
Technique 3: The "Why?" Test
How to use it: Ask "Why?" about each statement. The statement that other statements answer "why?" to is a conclusion. The statement that nothing else answers "why?" to (except premises and intermediate conclusions) is the main conclusion.
Why Test Example:
Argument: "It's raining outside. Therefore, the roads will be slippery. So you should drive carefully."
Test Statement 1: "The roads will be slippery"
Ask "Why?" → "Because it's raining" (premise answers)
This is A conclusion (intermediate)
Test Statement 2: "You should drive carefully"
Ask "Why?" → "Because the roads will be slippery" (intermediate conclusion answers)
This is THE conclusion (main)
Can you ask "Why" about the main conclusion and get an answer from the argument? Yes (from intermediate conclusion). But does the main conclusion answer "Why?" about anything else? No. That makes it main.
Technique 4: Look for Conclusion Indicators
Common Conclusion Indicators:
- Therefore - Most reliable indicator
- Thus, So, Hence - Strong signals
- Consequently, As a result, Accordingly - Show logical consequence
- It follows that, This shows that - Explicit conclusion markers
- Clearly, Evidently, Obviously - Suggest claim follows from evidence
- We can conclude that, This proves that - Direct conclusion signals
⚠️ Important Caveat: Indicator words can signal EITHER main or intermediate conclusions. Don't assume "therefore" automatically marks the main conclusion. Many intermediate conclusions use "therefore" too. Always verify using the Therefore Test or Why Test.
Main Conclusion Positions
Main conclusions can appear in three different positions within LSAT arguments. Never assume position determines function.
| Position | Structure Pattern | Example | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning (First Sentence) | Main Conclusion → Supporting premises follow | "We should ban plastic bags. Plastic pollution harms marine life, and alternatives exist." | ~25-30% |
| Middle (Embedded) | Premises → Main Conclusion → More premises | "Plastic harms oceans. Therefore, we should ban plastic bags. Alternatives are readily available." | ~15-20% |
| End (Last Sentence) | Premises build → Final Main Conclusion | "Plastic harms marine life. Alternatives exist and work well. So we should ban plastic bags." | ~50-60% |
💡 Key Insight: While main conclusions appear at the end most frequently (~50-60% of the time), they appear at the beginning or middle in 40-50% of arguments. This is why position-based shortcuts fail. Always analyze logical relationships, not just physical location.
Intermediate Conclusions: The Stepping Stones
🔗 Understanding Intermediate Conclusions
Intermediate conclusions (also called subsidiary conclusions or sub-conclusions) are unique because they serve a dual role: they function as BOTH a conclusion AND a premise within the same argument.
The Dual Role Formula:
\[ \text{Premises} \rightarrow \text{IC (acts as conclusion)} \]
\[ \text{IC (acts as premise)} \rightarrow \text{Main Conclusion} \]
IC receives support (conclusion role) AND provides support (premise role)
Key Characteristics of Intermediate Conclusions:
- Dual Function: Receives support from premises (conclusion role) AND supports the main conclusion (premise role)
- Stepping Stone: Acts as a bridge between basic premises and the ultimate claim
- Optional Element: Not all arguments have intermediate conclusions—many go directly from premises to main conclusion
- Multiple Possible: Complex arguments can have 2-3 intermediate conclusions in a chain
- Often Has Indicators: May be signaled by "therefore," "thus," "so" even though it's not the main conclusion
How Intermediate Conclusions Work
Argument Structure With Intermediate Conclusion
Layer 1: Foundation Premises
↓ (support)
Layer 2: Intermediate Conclusion
(supported by premises, supports main conclusion)
↓ (supports)
Layer 3: Main Conclusion (Ultimate Point)
Complete Example with Intermediate Conclusion:
Full Argument:
"Premise 1: All mammals are warm-blooded animals.
Premise 2: Whales are mammals.
Intermediate Conclusion: Therefore, whales are warm-blooded animals.
Main Conclusion: So whales must regulate their body temperature in cold ocean waters."
Analysis:
- Premises 1 & 2 support → "Whales are warm-blooded" (this is an intermediate conclusion because it's supported by P1 & P2)
- "Whales are warm-blooded" supports → "Whales must regulate body temperature" (so the first conclusion also acts as a premise for the main conclusion)
- Main conclusion: "Whales must regulate body temperature" (ultimate point, doesn't support anything else)
Why "whales are warm-blooded" is intermediate:
- ✓ It's supported by other statements (P1 & P2)
- ✓ It supports another statement (main conclusion)
- ✓ It's a stepping stone, not the ultimate point
Identifying Intermediate Conclusions
The 4-Question Test for Intermediate Conclusions
- Question 1: Is the statement supported by other statements in the argument? (If YES, it might be a conclusion)
- Question 2: Does the statement support another statement in the argument? (If YES, it might be a premise or intermediate conclusion)
- Question 3: Does it do BOTH—receive support AND provide support? (If YES, it's an intermediate conclusion)
- Question 4: Is it the ultimate point the author wants to prove? (If NO, and questions 1-3 are YES, it's definitely an intermediate conclusion)
Common Intermediate Conclusion Patterns
Pattern 1: The Two-Step Logical Chain
Structure: Evidence → Intermediate Conclusion → Main Conclusion
Example:
"Company profits increased 40% last quarter. [Premise]
Therefore, the company is financially healthy. [Intermediate Conclusion]
So investors should buy the stock." [Main Conclusion]
Flow: Profit data supports financial health assessment, which supports investment recommendation
Pattern 2: The Compound Support Structure
Structure: Multiple Premises → Intermediate Conclusion → Additional Premises → Main Conclusion
Example:
"Studies show exercise reduces stress. Stress causes health problems. [Premises]
Therefore, exercise improves overall health. [Intermediate Conclusion]
Better health leads to higher quality of life. [Additional Premise]
So everyone should exercise regularly." [Main Conclusion]
Pattern 3: The Parallel Intermediate Conclusions
Structure: Premises → IC1 and IC2 (parallel) → Main Conclusion
Example:
"Solar power costs have dropped 80%. [Premise 1]
Therefore, solar is now economically viable. [IC1]
Solar produces zero emissions during operation. [Premise 2]
So solar is environmentally superior. [IC2]
Thus, cities should convert to solar power." [Main Conclusion supported by both ICs]
Distinguishing Main from Intermediate Conclusions
The most common error on Main Point questions is selecting an intermediate conclusion instead of the main conclusion. Here's how to avoid this trap:
| Feature | Main Conclusion | Intermediate Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Point? | YES - This is what the author fundamentally wants to prove | NO - This is just a step toward the ultimate point |
| Receives Support? | YES - From premises and intermediate conclusions | YES - From premises |
| Provides Support? | NO - Doesn't support any other statement | YES - Supports the main conclusion |
| Therefore Test | Comes AFTER "therefore" when paired with IC | Comes BEFORE "therefore" when paired with MC |
| Why Test | Other statements answer "why" about it, but it doesn't answer "why" about anything else | Premises answer "why" about it, AND it answers "why" about the main conclusion |
| How Many? | Exactly ONE per argument | Zero, one, or multiple per argument |
| Common Position | Often (but not always) last sentence | Usually middle of argument |
Side-by-Side Comparison
Analyzing a Complete Argument:
Argument:
"Recent studies demonstrate that students who get 8+ hours of sleep score significantly higher on tests than those who sleep less. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function and memory consolidation. Therefore, adequate sleep is essential for academic success. Given this, schools should start classes later to allow students more sleep."
Analysis:
Statement 1: "Adequate sleep is essential for academic success"
- ✓ Receives support? YES (from the study and cognitive function claims)
- ✓ Provides support? YES (supports the recommendation about school start times)
- ✓ Ultimate point? NO (the author's ultimate goal is the school policy recommendation)
- → This is an INTERMEDIATE CONCLUSION
Statement 2: "Schools should start classes later"
- ✓ Receives support? YES (from the intermediate conclusion)
- ✓ Provides support? NO (doesn't support anything else)
- ✓ Ultimate point? YES (this is what the author fundamentally wants you to accept)
- → This is the MAIN CONCLUSION
Therefore Test Confirmation:
"Adequate sleep is essential for academic success, therefore schools should start later" ✓ Makes sense
"Schools should start later, therefore adequate sleep is essential" ✗ Doesn't make sense
Confirmed: Main conclusion is the school policy recommendation.
Common Conclusion Traps and Mistakes
Top 8 Conclusion Identification Mistakes
Mistake 1: Position Bias
❌ Assuming the last sentence is always the main conclusion
✓ Analyze logical relationships regardless of position—main conclusions can be first, middle, or last
Mistake 2: Indicator Word Reliance
❌ Thinking "therefore" always marks the main conclusion
✓ Intermediate conclusions often use "therefore" too—verify with Therefore Test or Why Test
Mistake 3: Intermediate Conclusion Trap
❌ Selecting an intermediate conclusion on Main Point questions
✓ Ask "Is this the ULTIMATE point or just a stepping stone?" Use the Therefore Test
Mistake 4: Premise Confusion
❌ Mistaking a premise for the conclusion
✓ Premises provide support but receive none—conclusions receive support
Mistake 5: Background vs. Conclusion
❌ Thinking context or background information is the conclusion
✓ Background provides context but isn't supported or argued for—it's just stated
Mistake 6: Opinion Language Over-reliance
❌ Assuming words like "should" always signal main conclusions
✓ Intermediate conclusions can use opinion language too—verify structure
Mistake 7: Not Using Tests
❌ Guessing based on gut feeling instead of systematic analysis
✓ Use Therefore Test, Why Test, or Ultimate Point Test to verify systematically
Mistake 8: Ignoring Argument Flow
❌ Reading statements in isolation without considering relationships
✓ Map out what supports what—follow the chain from premises → IC → main conclusion
Main Point Question Strategy
Main Point questions (also called Main Conclusion questions) explicitly ask you to identify the main conclusion. They account for approximately 7% of Logical Reasoning questions.
Recognizing Main Point Questions
Common Question Stems:
- "Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?"
- "The main point of the argument is that..."
- "Which one most accurately expresses the conclusion drawn in the argument above?"
- "The conclusion of the argument is most accurately expressed by which one?"
- "The primary conclusion of the argument is that..."
Step-by-Step Strategy for Main Point Questions
The 6-Step Main Point Question Method
- Read the Question Stem First: Confirm it's asking for the main conclusion
- Read the Argument Carefully: Identify all statements and their relationships
- Ask "What's the Ultimate Point?": What is the author fundamentally trying to prove?
- Use the Therefore Test: If you find multiple potential conclusions, test which supports which
- Pre-phrase the Answer: State the main conclusion in your own words before reading choices
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: Remove premises, intermediate conclusions, background, and out-of-scope statements
Wrong Answer Patterns on Main Point Questions
| Wrong Answer Type | What It Is | How to Spot It |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Conclusion | A stepping stone toward the main conclusion | It's supported AND supports something else; apply Therefore Test |
| Premise | Evidence that supports but isn't supported | Provides support but receives none; often factual statements |
| Background | Context information | Not supported or argued for; just provides context |
| Too Narrow | Only captures part of main conclusion | Missing key elements; doesn't capture full scope |
| Too Broad | Goes beyond what argument actually concludes | Makes claims not supported by the argument |
| Out of Scope | Introduces new information not in argument | Contains concepts or claims not mentioned |
Practice Examples: Complete Analysis
Practice Example 1: Two-Layer Argument
Argument:
"Archaeological evidence shows that ancient civilizations along the Mediterranean coast all engaged in extensive maritime trade. Goods from Egypt have been found in Greece, and Greek pottery has been discovered in Egypt. Therefore, these civilizations had advanced shipbuilding technology. This suggests that cultural exchange between these civilizations was extensive and influenced their development significantly."
Question: Which one most accurately expresses the main conclusion?
Step-by-Step Analysis:
Step 1 - Identify All Statements:
- Statement 1: Ancient Mediterranean civilizations engaged in extensive maritime trade
- Statement 2: Goods from Egypt found in Greece
- Statement 3: Greek pottery found in Egypt
- Statement 4: "Therefore, these civilizations had advanced shipbuilding technology"
- Statement 5: "This suggests that cultural exchange...was extensive and influenced their development"
Step 2 - Determine Relationships:
- Statements 1, 2, 3 are premises (evidence about trade)
- Statement 4 is supported by 1, 2, 3 (evidence → conclusion about shipbuilding)
- Statement 5 is supported by 4 (shipbuilding tech → cultural exchange conclusion)
Step 3 - Apply Therefore Test:
"They had advanced shipbuilding, therefore cultural exchange was extensive" ✓ Makes sense
"Cultural exchange was extensive, therefore they had advanced shipbuilding" ✗ Doesn't work
Step 4 - Identify Types:
- Intermediate Conclusion: "These civilizations had advanced shipbuilding technology"
- Main Conclusion: "Cultural exchange between these civilizations was extensive and influenced their development significantly"
Answer: The main conclusion is about cultural exchange being extensive and influential, NOT about shipbuilding (which is just a stepping stone).
Practice Example 2: First-Sentence Main Conclusion
Argument:
"Companies should invest heavily in employee training programs. Recent studies show that companies with comprehensive training programs see 30% higher productivity. Additionally, employee retention rates improve by 25% when training is prioritized. The initial costs of training are recovered within two years through these productivity and retention gains."
Question: What is the main conclusion?
Analysis:
- Main Conclusion: "Companies should invest heavily in employee training programs" (FIRST sentence)
- Supporting Premises: Everything else (productivity data, retention data, cost recovery) supports this opening claim
Why It's Main:
- ✓ It's the recommendation the author wants you to accept
- ✓ All other statements support THIS claim
- ✓ This statement doesn't support anything else
- ✓ Position doesn't matter—it's first, but it's still the ultimate point
Advanced Conclusion Analysis
Multiple Intermediate Conclusions
Complex arguments can have multiple intermediate conclusions forming a logical chain:
Three-Layer Argument Structure
Premises → IC1 → IC2 → Main Conclusion
Each intermediate conclusion is supported by what comes before and supports what comes after
Multi-Layer Example:
"Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases. [Premise 1]
Greenhouse gases cause climate change. [Premise 2]
Therefore, fossil fuels contribute to climate change. [IC1]
Climate change threatens coastal cities. [Premise 3]
So fossil fuels threaten coastal cities. [IC2]
Thus, we must transition to renewable energy." [Main Conclusion]
Chain: P1+P2 → IC1 → (+P3) → IC2 → Main Conclusion
Unstated Main Conclusions
Rarely, LSAT arguments don't explicitly state the main conclusion—you must infer it from the premises and intermediate conclusions. These appear in "Complete the Argument" question types.
Strategy for Unstated Conclusions:
- Identify what the premises and intermediate conclusions support
- Look for the logical endpoint of the reasoning chain
- Pre-phrase what MUST follow from the evidence
- Match to answer choices that complete the argument logically
Practice Resources for Conclusion Types
Official LSAC Practice Materials
LawHub - Official LSAT Prep:
What to Practice:
- Main Point Questions: Direct practice identifying main conclusions from arguments with intermediate conclusions
- All LR Question Types: Every question requires understanding argument structure and identifying conclusions
- Argument Structure Analysis: Map out premises → intermediate conclusions → main conclusions in all arguments
Official Resources:
- Free Official LSAT Prep: Practice Main Point questions with authentic arguments
- LawHub Advantage ($115/year): 75+ PrepTests with hundreds of arguments featuring both conclusion types
- Official Sample Questions: LSAC Sample Questions
- LSAT PrepTest Books: Official publications with detailed explanations of argument structure
Progressive Practice Plan
4-Week Conclusion Mastery Schedule
Week 1: Foundation
- Study conclusion types definitions and characteristics
- Practice identifying main vs. intermediate conclusions in 20-30 simple arguments
- Master the Therefore Test and Why Test
- Learn conclusion indicator words
Week 2: Main Point Questions
- Complete 30-40 Main Point questions from official PrepTests
- Map argument structure for each question
- Identify why wrong answers are wrong (premises, ICs, too broad, etc.)
- Pre-phrase conclusions before reading answer choices
Week 3: Complex Arguments
- Practice with arguments containing multiple intermediate conclusions
- Analyze 20-30 complex argument structures
- Work on arguments with first-sentence main conclusions
- Practice distinguishing ICs from main conclusions under time pressure
Week 4: Integration & Application
- Take full Logical Reasoning sections identifying conclusions in all arguments
- Apply conclusion analysis to Assumption, Strengthen, Weaken questions
- Track error patterns in conclusion identification
- Timed Main Point question practice (30-60 seconds each)
Frequently Asked Questions
The LSAT features two types of conclusions: Main Conclusions and Intermediate Conclusions (also called subsidiary or sub-conclusions). The Main Conclusion is the ultimate point the author wants to prove—the primary claim of the argument that is supported by all other statements but doesn't support anything else. It's the "so what?" of the argument, the reason it exists. Intermediate Conclusions are stepping stones toward the main conclusion—they are supported by premises AND they support the main conclusion, serving a dual role as both conclusion (receiving support) and premise (providing support). Understanding this distinction is crucial for LSAT Logical Reasoning success, particularly for Main Point questions where intermediate conclusions often appear as trap answers. Not all arguments have intermediate conclusions, but every argument has exactly one main conclusion.
A main conclusion is the ultimate claim or primary point that the author wants you to accept in an LSAT argument. It is the statement that receives support from all other statements (premises and intermediate conclusions) but does not itself support any other statement. The main conclusion represents what the author is fundamentally trying to prove—it's the destination of the argument's reasoning. It can appear anywhere in the argument: beginning (~25-30%), middle (~15-20%), or end (~50-60%)—position doesn't determine function. The main conclusion is often (but not always) signaled by conclusion indicators like "therefore," "thus," "so," or "hence." To identify it, ask yourself: "What is the author ULTIMATELY trying to convince me of?" or "What is the final claim they want me to accept?" That answer is always the main conclusion. Every argument has exactly one main conclusion, though it may have multiple clauses or parts within that single conclusion.
An intermediate conclusion (also called a subsidiary conclusion or sub-conclusion) is a statement that serves BOTH as a conclusion AND as a premise within the same LSAT argument. It has a dual role: it is a conclusion because it receives support from one or more premises, and it is a premise because it provides support for the main conclusion. Think of it as a stepping stone or bridge on the way to the author's ultimate point. The formula is: Premises → Intermediate Conclusion → Main Conclusion. For example, in the argument "All lawyers passed the bar exam. Sarah is a lawyer. Therefore, Sarah passed the bar exam. So Sarah has legal expertise," the statement "Sarah passed the bar exam" is an intermediate conclusion—it's supported by the first two premises (conclusion role) and supports the main conclusion about legal expertise (premise role). Not all arguments contain intermediate conclusions; simpler arguments go directly from premises to main conclusion. Complex arguments can have multiple intermediate conclusions forming a logical chain. Intermediate conclusions often use indicator words like "therefore" or "thus," which is why they can be confused with main conclusions—always verify using the Therefore Test or Why Test.
Distinguish between main and intermediate conclusions using these systematic techniques: 1) The Therefore Test - State one conclusion, then "therefore," then the other. If it makes logical sense, the first supports the second (which is the main conclusion). Test the reverse order to confirm. The statement that sounds better AFTER "therefore" is the main conclusion. 2) The Why Test - Ask "Why?" about each conclusion. If another statement in the argument answers "why," it might be supporting that conclusion. The statement that nothing else supports (except premises and intermediate conclusions) is the main conclusion. Intermediate conclusions have answers from both directions—premises answer "why" about them, AND they answer "why" about the main conclusion. 3) The Ultimate Point Test - Ask "What is the author ULTIMATELY trying to prove?" That's the main conclusion. Intermediate conclusions are just steps toward that ultimate point. 4) The Dual Role Test - Intermediate conclusions are BOTH supported (by premises) AND support (the main conclusion); main conclusions only receive support, they don't provide it. Practice with official LSAT PrepTests to internalize these patterns—with 50-100 arguments analyzed, distinction becomes automatic.
The Therefore Test is a powerful technique for distinguishing main conclusions from intermediate conclusions on the LSAT. Here's how it works: Step 1: Identify two statements that might be conclusions in the argument. Step 2: State the first one, then say "therefore," then state the second one. Step 3: Evaluate whether this arrangement makes logical sense. Step 4: Test the reverse order—state the second, "therefore," the first. Step 5: Compare which order sounds more logical. The statement that comes AFTER "therefore" in the better-sounding arrangement is likely the main conclusion. Example: Testing "Meditation reduces stress" vs. "Everyone should meditate": Order 1: "Meditation reduces stress, therefore everyone should meditate" ✓ Makes perfect sense. Order 2: "Everyone should meditate, therefore meditation reduces stress" ✗ Illogical—recommendations don't prove facts. Conclusion: "Everyone should meditate" is the main conclusion because it comes after "therefore" in the logical arrangement. The Therefore Test works because main conclusions are supported BY other statements, while intermediate conclusions support the main conclusion. This test quickly reveals the support relationships between statements.
Main conclusions can appear ANYWHERE in LSAT arguments: beginning, middle, or end. According to analysis of official LSAT PrepTests, main conclusions appear at the end (last sentence) approximately 50-60% of the time, at the beginning (first sentence) approximately 25-30% of the time, and embedded in the middle approximately 15-20% of the time. This distribution is deliberately designed to prevent test-takers from using position shortcuts. The LSAT tests your ability to identify conclusions based on logical relationships, not physical location. Never assume the last sentence is the conclusion—this leads to errors 40-50% of the time. Similarly, don't dismiss first sentences as mere background—they're often main conclusions followed by supporting premises. The key is to analyze what supports what: the main conclusion is the statement that receives support from all other statements but doesn't support anything else, REGARDLESS of where it appears. Always use the Therefore Test, Why Test, or Ultimate Point Test to verify conclusion identity based on function, not position. Practice with official LSAC materials to train yourself to recognize conclusions by logical structure rather than location patterns.
Conclusion indicator words are linguistic signals that often (but not always) precede conclusions in LSAT arguments. Common conclusion indicators include: therefore (most reliable and frequent), thus, so, hence (strong signals), consequently, as a result, accordingly (show logical consequence), it follows that, this shows that, this proves that (explicit conclusion markers), clearly, evidently, obviously (suggest claim follows from evidence), therefore, we can conclude that, this means that, this indicates that (direct conclusion signals). Important caveats: 1) Not all conclusions use indicators—many LSAT arguments have no indicator words at all, requiring you to identify conclusions through logical analysis. 2) Indicator words can signal EITHER main OR intermediate conclusions—don't assume "therefore" automatically marks the main conclusion. Many intermediate conclusions use "therefore" as well. 3) Some indicator words can introduce premises in certain contexts (e.g., "clearly" can sometimes emphasize evidence). 4) Never rely solely on indicator words—always verify using the Therefore Test, Why Test, or Ultimate Point Test. Indicator words are helpful hints, not definitive proof. The LSAT deliberately includes arguments with misleading indicator placement to test whether you understand logical structure rather than just keyword recognition.
Intermediate conclusions create a multi-layered chain of reasoning in LSAT argument structure. The flow works like this: Premises → Intermediate Conclusion → Main Conclusion. Foundation premises provide evidence that supports an intermediate conclusion, which then acts as a premise to support the main conclusion. Think of it as building blocks: the foundation premises (Layer 1) support a middle platform (intermediate conclusion at Layer 2), which supports the top structure (main conclusion at Layer 3). Example: Premise 1: Studies show regular exercise reduces stress hormones. Premise 2: Lower stress hormones improve cardiovascular health. Intermediate Conclusion: Therefore, exercise improves heart health (this is BOTH supported by P1+P2 AND supports what comes next). Main Conclusion: So everyone should exercise regularly to maintain cardiovascular fitness. The intermediate conclusion "exercise improves heart health" serves a dual role: it's a conclusion (receives support from the premises about stress hormones) and a premise (provides support for the recommendation to exercise). This dual nature is what makes it "intermediate." Arguments can have multiple intermediate conclusions forming longer chains: Premises → IC1 → IC2 → IC3 → Main Conclusion. Each intermediate conclusion bridges the gap between evidence and ultimate claim, making complex arguments more persuasive by building logical steps rather than jumping directly from basic facts to broad conclusions.
Identifying conclusion types is crucial for LSAT success for multiple critical reasons: 1) Main Point Questions: These questions (approximately 7% of Logical Reasoning) explicitly ask you to identify the main conclusion. The most common trap answer is the intermediate conclusion—students who can't distinguish the two get these wrong. 2) Argument Structure Foundation: Understanding what the author is trying to prove (main conclusion) is fundamental to answering Assumption, Strengthen, Weaken, and Flaw questions. You can't identify assumptions or evaluate arguments without knowing the main conclusion. 3) Avoiding Trap Answers: Test makers deliberately place intermediate conclusions as wrong answers on Main Point questions to trap students who don't carefully analyze structure. Mastering conclusion types helps you avoid these traps. 4) Complex Reasoning Analysis: Many LSAT arguments contain sophisticated multi-layer reasoning with intermediate conclusions. Understanding these chains helps you follow complex arguments accurately. 5) Core LSAT Skill: According to LSAC, "recognizing the parts of an argument and their relationships" is one of the ten fundamental skills tested in Logical Reasoning. Conclusion identification is central to this skill. 6) Time Efficiency: Students who quickly and accurately identify conclusions spend less time on questions and make fewer errors. 7) Score Impact: Main Point questions combined with questions requiring conclusion understanding account for 30-40% of all Logical Reasoning questions. Mastering this skill significantly impacts your overall LSAT score.
Practice identifying LSAT conclusion types using official LSAC materials through LawHub at lsac.org/lsat/prep. Free Official LSAT Prep provides practice questions including Main Point questions where you must identify main conclusions while distinguishing them from intermediate conclusions, along with other question types requiring argument structure understanding. LawHub Advantage ($115 for one year) includes 75+ official PrepTests with hundreds of arguments containing main and intermediate conclusions from real LSAT administrations, plus performance analytics tracking your accuracy on Main Point questions. Specific Practice Strategies: 1) Focus on Main Point/Main Conclusion questions for direct practice—complete 30-50 of these from official PrepTests. 2) Analyze argument structure in ALL Logical Reasoning questions, not just Main Point questions—map out premises → intermediate conclusions → main conclusions for every argument you encounter. 3) Use official sample questions at lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/test-format/logical-reasoning/logical-reasoning-sample-questions for free examples. 4) Purchase official LSAT PrepTest books (SuperPrep, SuperPrep II, 10 Actual Official LSAT PrepTests) for detailed explanations of argument structure and conclusion identification. Always use official LSAC materials rather than third-party resources to ensure authentic argument construction, accurate difficulty levels, and conclusion patterns that precisely match actual LSAT questions. Only official materials guarantee you're practicing with real LSAT conclusion structures exactly as they appear on test day.
Summary: Mastering Conclusion Types
Key Takeaways for LSAT Success
Essential Concepts to Master:
- ✓ Two Conclusion Types: Main Conclusion (ultimate point) and Intermediate Conclusion (stepping stone)
- ✓ Main Conclusion Characteristics: Receives support, doesn't provide support, ultimate point
- ✓ Intermediate Conclusion Dual Role: Receives support from premises AND provides support to main conclusion
- ✓ Position Independence: Conclusions can appear anywhere—never rely on location
- ✓ Indicator Limitations: "Therefore" can signal either type—always verify with tests
Essential Techniques to Apply:
- ✓ The Therefore Test: Best tool for distinguishing main from intermediate conclusions
- ✓ The Why Test: Reveals support relationships between statements
- ✓ The Ultimate Point Test: Identifies what author fundamentally wants to prove
- ✓ The Dual Role Test: Identifies intermediate conclusions by their two functions
Common Traps to Avoid:
- ✗ Assuming last sentence is always main conclusion
- ✗ Selecting intermediate conclusions on Main Point questions
- ✗ Relying solely on indicator words without logical analysis
- ✗ Confusing premises with conclusions
- ✗ Not using systematic tests to verify
Additional Official Resources
Continue your LSAT preparation with these official LSAC resources:
Official LSAC Resources:
- LSAC Official Website: LSAC.org - Complete LSAT information and registration
- Official LSAT Prep (LawHub): LawHub Platform - Practice with authentic questions
- Logical Reasoning Details: Official LR Description - LSAC's explanation of skills tested
- Sample Questions: Official LR Samples - Free examples with explanations
- LSAT Test Dates: Official Schedule - Current test dates and deadlines
The Complete Conclusion Mastery Formula:
\[ \text{Recognition} + \text{Analysis} + \text{Testing} = \text{Mastery} \]
\[ P \rightarrow IC \rightarrow MC \]
Master the flow from premises to intermediate conclusions to main conclusions
Understanding and distinguishing conclusion types is a fundamental LSAT skill that impacts your performance across all Logical Reasoning question types. By mastering the identification of main conclusions versus intermediate conclusions, you'll excel at Main Point questions and strengthen your ability to analyze argument structure for Assumption, Strengthen, Weaken, and Flaw questions. The key is systematic practice: use the Therefore Test, Why Test, and Ultimate Point Test consistently with official LSAC materials, and never rely on position or indicator words alone. With dedicated practice using official PrepTests from LawHub, you'll develop the pattern recognition and analytical skills needed to identify conclusions quickly and accurately under test conditions, significantly improving your LSAT Logical Reasoning performance.
⚠️ Final Reminder: Main Point questions account for approximately 7% of Logical Reasoning questions (~3-4 questions per test). The most common wrong answer is the intermediate conclusion. Master the distinction between main and intermediate conclusions to capture these points and strengthen your overall argument analysis skills across all question types. Practice with official LSAC materials exclusively to ensure authentic conclusion patterns.