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Outline of Controversy Questions - Coggle Diagram
Outline of Controversy Questions
Introduction to Controversy Questions
Definition: Questions featuring two speakers debating a specific issue.
Question Focus: May address the argument of one or both speakers, with the most common task being to identify points of agreement or disagreement.
Context: Typically part of the Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT.
General Format
Squib Length: 8–10 sentences, 53–110 words.
Structure: Presents two speakers arguing over a particular point.
Sample Question Stems
“Which one of the following is the point at issue between [Speaker 1] and [Speaker 2]?”
“The argument between [Speaker 1] and [Speaker 2] most strongly supports the view that they disagree as to…” “Which of the following are [Speaker 1] and [Speaker 2] committed to agreeing about?”
Correct Answer Characteristics
Accurately identifies the point of agreement or disagreement between speakers.
Directly relates to the main issue debated in the squib.
Second-Best Choice Characteristics
Addresses a minor point of agreement or disagreement, not the primary focus.
May involve a point implied but not explicitly stated in the squib.
Clearly Wrong Answers
Unrelated to the speakers’ arguments.
Misinterpret the speakers’ positions (e.g., confusing agreement with disagreement due to missing key words like “not”).
Sample Questions and Analysis
Question 1: Government Official vs. Environmentalist (Disagreement)
Squib: Official argues for prioritizing oil research to avoid energy gaps; Environmentalist claims stored oil suffices for transition to alternative energy.
Question Stem: Identify the point of disagreement.
Correct Answer (E): Whether there would be an energy supply gap if research shifts to alternative fuels.
Analysis: Official asserts a gap; Environmentalist denies it, citing oil reserves.
Question 2: Byron vs. Sally (Disagreement)
Squib: Byron advocates avoiding mirrors to repress self-image issues; Sally supports addressing and discussing them.
Question Stem: Identify the point at issue.
Correct Answer (C): The merits of repressing self-image issues.
Analysis: Byron favors repression, Sally favors acknowledgment; other options (e.g., mirrors) are not directly addressed by both.
Question 3: TV Evangelist vs. TV Watcher (Disagreement)
Squib: Evangelist claims church-building serves God and community; Watcher argues it serves the evangelist, not the community.
Question Stem: Identify the point of disagreement.
Correct Answer (A): Whether the church serves both the community and the evangelist.
Analysis: Evangelist emphasizes community benefit, Watcher denies it.
Question 4: Zeke vs. Amy (Disagreement)
Squib: Zeke claims actors succeed due to attractiveness or famous lineage; Amy cites an unattractive actor’s success as a counterexample.
Question Stem: Identify the point at issue.
Correct Answer: Whether attractiveness or lineage is necessary for acting success (not fully specified in provided text).
Analysis: Zeke’s generalization is challenged by Amy’s specific counterexample.
Question 5: Billy Bob vs. Peggy Sue (Disagreement)
Squib: Billy Bob claims Native American culture was infatuated with mind-altering substances; Peggy Sue argues the evidence is insufficient and modern society differs.
Question Stem: Identify the point at issue.
Correct Answer (D): Whether Native American culture was infatuated with mind-altering substances.
Analysis: Billy Bob asserts infatuation, Peggy Sue disputes the claim’s validity.
Strategies for Solving
Analyze Squib First: Identify each speaker’s main point and where they align or diverge.
Focus on Question Stem: Determine if it asks for agreement or disagreement.
Eliminate Wrong Answers: Rule out options unrelated to the squib or misrepresenting speaker positions.
Check for Nuances: Pay attention to qualifiers (e.g., “not”) and ensure the answer matches the squib’s focus.