LSAT Words: Comparative Words

Question 1

Comparison words

Answer 1

More, less, better, taller, worse, underrepresented, etc.

Typically treated as semi-strong language because of definite nature

But can be made weak by comparing to something that just does not mean much

Note that “profit” or “eggs are bad for you” or “should” or “ought” can imply comparison

Question 2

Superlative words

Answer 2

Least, best, tallest, worst, etc.

Much stronger than a typical comparison becasue superlatives compare to a group rather than a single alternative option

But watch the qualifiers that surround a superlative because the qualifiers significantly vary the strength of a superlative

Question 3

Equal

Answer 3

Equal, the same, proportionate, identical, indistinguishable, as much as, etc

Very strong words.

Question 4

Should, need to, etc. (sub-type of comparison words)

Answer 4

“should” and “need to” arefrequently a Comparison-Recommendation flaw indicator (as long as E and C are in the “same world”) and you know to symbolize with VERSUS SEE-SAW (e.g. leave mosaicson one end of seesaw, remove mosaicson other side of see saw).

Knowledge issue is the FACTOR for Comparison-Recommendation flaw tipping rec to one side (again, stay within scope of comparison!)

But the presence of “should” and “need to” in the conclusion does not guarantee it is a comp-rec flaw. E.g. 43.2.9 is a Bad Character flaw yet has should in conclusion.