[Anonymous]

So I’ve noticed on a good amount of tests that the conclusion for some str/weak questions have the term “probably” in it. I’m wondering does this give us any tip off towards the type of answer we should look for? If I had to make one observation from these questions, I would say that the evidence seems usually to a piece to puzzle type of deal. Because of the lack of absolute certainty that the word “probably” leaves (at least in my mind), the arguments seem like they heavily depend on the evidence presented.

[LSAT Dan]

These arguments are evidence-based (as opposed to formal logic arguments), so the use of the word “probably” is consistent with the limitations on certainty that inductive reasoning has. The right answers on these questions involve new pieces of evidence that generally help or hurt the argument without actual “proving” or “disproving” it. It’s a good observation you’ve made – the LSAT, and in particular the LR section, is largely about recognizing patterns and familiarizing yourself with structures – but I don’t think the use of the word “probably” is going to be much help as far as suggesting particular answer choices.