Disputes in LSAT Logical Reasoning: Master Point of Contention Questions

Learn proven strategies to identify disagreements, analyze arguments, and ace dispute questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning section with official examples and expert techniques.

Dispute questions, also known as point of contention or disagreement questions, are a critical question type in the LSAT Logical Reasoning section. These questions test your ability to identify the specific point on which two speakers hold opposing views. Mastering dispute questions requires careful analysis of each speaker's position and the ability to pinpoint exactly where their views conflict.

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) includes dispute questions to evaluate your capacity to recognize misunderstandings and points of disagreement—essential skills for legal reasoning and argumentation. These questions typically present two brief statements from different speakers, followed by a question asking you to identify what they disagree about.

What Are LSAT Dispute Questions

LSAT dispute questions present two speakers with different viewpoints and ask you to determine the precise issue on which they disagree. The challenge lies in identifying the exact point of contention rather than assuming general disagreement.

📌 Common Question Stems

"The speakers disagree about whether..."
"The main point at issue between [Speaker A] and [Speaker B] is whether..."
"On the basis of their statements, the two speakers are committed to disagreeing about..."
"[Speaker A] and [Speaker B] disagree on whether..."

Key Characteristics of Dispute Questions

Dispute questions have several distinguishing features that set them apart from other Logical Reasoning question types:

Two distinct speakers: Each presents their own viewpoint or argument
Specific disagreement: The correct answer identifies a precise point where views conflict
Testable positions: Both speakers must have clear, identifiable stances on the disputed point
Not about conclusions only: Speakers can disagree on premises, reasoning, or implications—not just main conclusions

Strategy for Solving Dispute Questions

Success with dispute questions requires a systematic approach. Follow these proven strategies used by top LSAT scorers and recommended by official LSAC prep materials:

Read Both Speakers Carefully

Read each speaker's statement thoroughly, treating everything stated as evidence of their beliefs. Don't challenge the premises—focus on understanding what each person explicitly believes.

Identify Each Speaker's Position

Determine what each speaker believes about various aspects of the topic. Map out their conclusions, premises, and implied beliefs. Even if their reasoning is flawed, record what they actually think.

Find Overlap and Conflict

Identify where the two positions overlap or conflict. The second speaker often says "I disagree," but this doesn't necessarily mean they disagree with the first speaker's main conclusion. Pinpoint the exact area of conflict.

Apply the Agreement Test

For each answer choice, ask: What does Speaker A think about this? What does Speaker B think about this? The correct answer will show that one speaker clearly agrees with the statement and the other clearly disagrees.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

Eliminate choices where both speakers agree, where one speaker has no clear position, or where the disagreement isn't explicitly supported by their statements.

⚠️ Common Mistake to Avoid

Don't assume the second speaker disagrees with the first speaker's main conclusion. When you read "I disagree," resist the urge to immediately focus on the first person's conclusion. The disagreement might be about a premise, an implication, or a specific detail rather than the overall conclusion.

Official LSAC Example Analysis

Let's examine an official LSAT dispute question from the Law School Admission Council to understand how these strategies work in practice:

📚 Official LSAC Example

Laird: Pure research provides us with new technologies that contribute to saving lives. Even more worthwhile than this, however, is its role in expanding our knowledge and providing new, unexplored ideas.

Kim: Your priorities are mistaken. Saving lives is what counts most of all. Without pure research, medicine would not be as advanced as it is.

Laird and Kim disagree on whether pure research:

derives its significance in part from its providing new technologies
expands the boundaries of our knowledge of medicine
should have the saving of human lives as an important goal
has its most valuable achievements in medical applications ✓
has any value apart from its role in providing new technologies to save lives

Step-by-Step Analysis

Step 1: Identify Laird's Position

Laird believes pure research saves lives through new technologies
Laird thinks expanding knowledge is more worthwhile than saving lives
Laird values pure research for multiple reasons, with knowledge expansion being paramount

Step 2: Identify Kim's Position

Kim believes saving lives is most important
Kim values pure research because it advances medicine
Kim thinks Laird's priorities are wrong for ranking knowledge expansion above life-saving

Step 3: Find the Disagreement

The key disagreement is about what makes pure research most valuable. Laird prioritizes knowledge expansion, while Kim prioritizes medical applications that save lives. This is precisely what option (D) captures: they disagree about whether pure research "has its most valuable achievements in medical applications."

✓ Why Option D is Correct

Laird's view: Would say NO—the most valuable achievement is expanding knowledge, not medical applications
Kim's view: Would say YES—saving lives (medical applications) is what counts most of all
Both speakers have explicit, opposing positions on this exact point

Types of Disagreements in LSAT Questions

Understanding the different types of disagreements helps you identify the correct answer more efficiently. Disputes can occur at various levels of an argument:

Disagreement Type	Description	Example Focus
Conclusion Disagreement	Speakers reach opposite conclusions about the main issue	"Policy X will be effective" vs. "Policy X will not be effective"
Premise Disagreement	Speakers disagree about a factual claim or supporting evidence	"The data shows improvement" vs. "The data is unreliable"
Value/Priority Disagreement	Speakers disagree about what is most important or valuable	"Economic growth is paramount" vs. "Environmental protection is paramount"
Reasoning Disagreement	Speakers disagree about the logical connection between claims	"A causes B" vs. "A does not cause B"
Implication Disagreement	Speakers disagree about what follows from accepted facts	"This proves necessity" vs. "This only shows correlation"

The Agreement Test: Mathematical Approach

The Agreement Test is the most reliable method for evaluating answer choices in dispute questions. Think of it as a logical formula that must be satisfied:

The Dispute Question Formula

Correct Answer ⇔ (Speaker A agrees ∧ Speaker B disagrees) ∨ (Speaker A disagrees ∧ Speaker B agrees)

Where ⇔ means "if and only if," ∧ means "and," and ∨ means "or"

In plain language: The correct answer is one where Speaker A has one position (agree or disagree) AND Speaker B has the opposite position on the same statement.

Applying the Agreement Test

For each answer choice, systematically ask two questions:

Question 1: Based on what Speaker A said, would they agree or disagree with this statement? Can I prove this from their words?
Question 2: Based on what Speaker B said, would they agree or disagree with this statement? Can I prove this from their words?

📊 Answer Choice Evaluation Matrix

Speaker A Position	Speaker B Position	Result
Agrees	Disagrees	✓ CORRECT
Disagrees	Agrees	✓ CORRECT
Agrees	Agrees	✗ ELIMINATE
Disagrees	Disagrees	✗ ELIMINATE
Unclear/No Position	Any Position	✗ ELIMINATE
Any Position	Unclear/No Position	✗ ELIMINATE

Common Wrong Answer Traps

The LSAT deliberately includes wrong answers that seem plausible. Understanding common trap types helps you avoid them:

1. Both Speakers Agree

These answer choices present statements that both speakers would actually agree with. In our earlier example, both Laird and Kim agree that pure research provides new technologies—this couldn't be the point of disagreement.

2. One Speaker Has No Clear Position

The answer choice mentions something that one speaker simply didn't address. Without textual evidence of a position, you cannot claim disagreement exists on that point.

3. The Irrelevant Detail

These answers present true statements about the passage but fail to identify where the speakers actually disagree. The statement might be related to the topic without being the point of contention.

4. The Extreme Interpretation

These answers take a speaker's position to an extreme that isn't supported. For example, if a speaker criticizes one aspect of a policy, a wrong answer might claim they oppose the entire policy.

5. The Reversed Positions

These tricky answers correctly identify the topic of disagreement but reverse which speaker holds which position. Always verify the direction of each speaker's stance.

🎯 Pro Tip: Prove It From the Text

For the correct answer, you must be able to point to specific words or sentences that prove each speaker's position. If you're making assumptions or inferences that go beyond what's explicitly stated or strongly implied, you're likely choosing a wrong answer. The LSAT rewards careful reading, not creative interpretation.

Point of Agreement Questions

Occasionally, the LSAT reverses the question type and asks what two speakers agree about rather than disagree about. The strategy remains fundamentally the same, but with one key difference:

✓ Modified Agreement Test for "Agree" Questions

For agreement questions: Both speakers must clearly hold the SAME position on the statement—either both agree or both disagree with it.

Correct Answer ⇔ (Speaker A agrees ∧ Speaker B agrees) ∨ (Speaker A disagrees ∧ Speaker B disagrees)

Use the same systematic approach: evaluate each answer choice by determining what each speaker would think about it. The correct answer requires textual evidence that both speakers share the same view.

Advanced Techniques for Dispute Questions

Technique 1: The Conclusion Trap Awareness

Many test-takers automatically assume speakers disagree about their main conclusions. While this is sometimes true, it's often a trap. Speakers can reach similar conclusions for different reasons, or they can agree on conclusions while disagreeing about underlying premises or values.

Technique 2: The Explicit vs. Implicit Analysis

Some disagreements are explicit and stated directly. Others require you to understand the logical implications of each speaker's position. However, even implicit disagreements must be firmly grounded in the text—never make creative leaps.

Technique 3: The Burden of Proof Standard

Apply this standard to every answer choice: Could I defend this answer to a skeptical judge by pointing to specific text? If you can't provide textual evidence for both speakers' positions, eliminate that choice.

Technique 4: The Process of Elimination Priority

When stuck between two answers, look for the one where both speakers' positions are most clearly established by the text. The LSAT rewards the answer with the strongest, most explicit support.

⏱️ Time Management Strategy

Dispute questions typically take 1-1.5 minutes. If you're spending more than 2 minutes, you may be overanalyzing. Apply the Agreement Test systematically to each answer choice, eliminate clearly wrong answers, and make your best judgment from the remaining options. You can always flag and return if time permits.

How to Practice Dispute Questions

Effective practice requires official LSAC materials and a strategic approach. Here's how to build mastery:

Phase 1: Untimed Practice (Weeks 1-2)

Work through 5-10 dispute questions from official LSAT PrepTests
Take unlimited time to apply the Agreement Test to every answer choice
Write out what each speaker believes before looking at answers
Review explanations thoroughly, even for questions you answered correctly

Phase 2: Timed Practice (Weeks 3-4)

Set a 1.5-minute timer for each dispute question
Practice identifying disagreements quickly while maintaining accuracy
Track which wrong answer types you fall for most frequently
Develop shortcuts for eliminating obvious wrong answers

Phase 3: Mixed Practice (Week 5+)

Complete full Logical Reasoning sections with all question types mixed
Treat dispute questions as opportunities for quick points
Review all dispute questions, correct or incorrect, to reinforce patterns
Aim for 90%+ accuracy on dispute questions in practice tests

📈 Measuring Progress

Track your dispute question performance separately from other Logical Reasoning questions. Your goal metrics:

Accuracy Target: 85-95% on dispute questions
Speed Target: 60-90 seconds per question
Confidence Level: Able to predict the answer before reading choices 70%+ of the time

Official LSAT Resources for Dispute Questions

To maximize your preparation, use only official materials from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). These resources contain real LSAT questions and official explanations:

Primary Official Resources

LSAC Official Logical Reasoning Sample Questions - Free sample questions directly from LSAC with official answer explanations
LSAC Official LSAT Prep - Official prep materials, including LSAT PrepTests and study guides
Official LSAT PrepTests - Published PrepTests containing real, previously administered LSAT questions
Khan Academy LSAT Prep - Free official LSAT prep in partnership with LSAC, including logical reasoning lessons

Recommended Official PrepTests

The following official LSAT PrepTests contain excellent examples of dispute questions:

PrepTests 52-91: Most recent tests reflecting current LSAT format
SuperPrep Volumes I & II: Official LSAC books with detailed explanations
LSAT PrepTest 10 Actual, Official Tests: Compilations of official exams

⚠️ Important Note on Unofficial Resources

While commercial prep companies offer helpful strategies and explanations, always practice with official LSAC questions. Unofficial practice questions may not accurately reflect LSAT difficulty, question construction, or answer choice patterns. Use commercial resources for strategy guidance, but apply those strategies to official LSAC materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dispute questions appear on the LSAT?

Typically, 2-4 dispute or point of contention questions appear across both Logical Reasoning sections of the LSAT. While they're not the most common question type, they're predictable and follow consistent patterns, making them excellent opportunities for quick, accurate points.

Do speakers always explicitly say "I disagree"?

No, not always. While many dispute questions feature the phrase "I disagree," speakers can express disagreement in other ways—through contradicting statements, presenting contrary evidence, or reaching opposite conclusions. Focus on identifying where positions conflict, regardless of the specific language used.

Can speakers disagree if they both support the same conclusion?

Yes, absolutely. Speakers can reach the same conclusion through different reasoning and disagree about the premises, evidence, or most important factors. For example, two people might both support a policy but disagree about why it's beneficial. Always look beyond the conclusion to find the actual point of contention.

What if I can't tell what one speaker thinks about an answer choice?

If you cannot determine one speaker's position on an answer choice based on their statement, eliminate that choice. The correct answer requires clear, provable positions from both speakers. Uncertainty about either speaker's stance means that choice is not the identified point of disagreement.

Should I read the question stem before or after the passage?

Read the question stem first. Knowing you're looking for a point of disagreement helps you actively search for conflicting positions as you read each speaker's statement. This strategic reading improves efficiency and accuracy.

How do dispute questions differ from flaw questions?

Dispute questions ask you to identify where two speakers disagree, while flaw questions ask you to identify errors in reasoning within a single argument. In dispute questions, you accept each speaker's reasoning as valid for them—you're not critiquing logic, just identifying differences. In flaw questions, you're specifically looking for logical errors.

What's the best strategy if I'm down to two answer choices?

Re-apply the Agreement Test to both remaining choices. Ask yourself: "For which answer can I point to specific text proving Speaker A's position? For which answer can I point to specific text proving Speaker B's position?" Choose the answer where both speakers' positions are most explicitly supported by their actual words. The LSAT rewards textual evidence over inference.

Are point of agreement questions more difficult than disagreement questions?

They're roughly equivalent in difficulty, just testing the opposite skill. The same strategic approach works: apply the modified Agreement Test to identify where both speakers hold the same position. Many test-takers find agreement questions slightly easier because there are fewer potential points of agreement than disagreement.

Test Day Strategy for Dispute Questions

✓ Quick Reference Checklist

Identify the question type immediately (look for "disagree," "point at issue," "agree")
Read both speakers carefully, noting what each believes
Before looking at answers, try to predict the disagreement
Apply the Agreement Test to each answer choice systematically
Eliminate answers where positions aren't clearly opposed
Choose the answer with the strongest textual support for both positions
Move on confidently—dispute questions should be quick points

Confidence Builders

Dispute questions are highly learnable: They follow predictable patterns that you can master with practice
They're typically faster than other question types: Use them to bank time for more complex questions
High accuracy is achievable: Most test-takers reach 85-95% accuracy with proper preparation
The Agreement Test works: Trust your systematic approach rather than gut feelings

Key Takeaways

Mastering dispute questions in LSAT Logical Reasoning requires understanding that disagreement isn't always about conclusions—speakers can disagree about premises, values, reasoning, or implications. The Agreement Test provides a systematic, reliable method for evaluating answer choices by requiring you to prove each speaker's position from the text.

Success comes from practice with official LSAC materials, careful application of proven strategies, and avoiding common traps like assuming disagreement over conclusions or accepting answers where one speaker's position is unclear. With dedicated practice, dispute questions become reliable opportunities to score quick, accurate points on test day.

🎯 Your Action Plan

Download official LSAT PrepTests from LSAC.org
Create a dedicated practice log for dispute questions
Work through 30-50 official dispute questions using the strategies in this guide
Track your accuracy, timing, and common error patterns
Review every question—correct or incorrect—to reinforce pattern recognition
Integrate dispute question practice into full Logical Reasoning sections

With systematic practice and strategic application of the Agreement Test, you'll approach dispute questions with confidence and accuracy on test day. These questions represent opportunities to demonstrate your analytical reasoning skills and contribute valuable points toward your target LSAT score.