Role of a
Statement
Master the art of identifying what a sentence does within an argument: whether it supports, concludes, opposes, or sets context.
What Is "Role of a Statement"?
On the LSAT, Role of a Statement questions ask you to identify the function a specific sentence plays within an argument. You are not asked whether the statement is true or false: you are asked what it does.
Anatomy of an Argument
Every LSAT argument is built from distinct structural parts. To identify the role of a statement, you must first understand these building blocks.
Why This Skill Matters
Role of a Statement questions appear 2 to 4 times per scored LSAT section. They also build the analytical muscle you need for Strengthen, Weaken, and Flaw questions: if you can't identify the conclusion and premises, you can't evaluate the argument.
The Five Structural Roles
Main vs. Intermediate Conclusion
The trickiest distinction is between a main conclusion and an intermediate conclusion. An intermediate conclusion is both supported by premises and used to support the main conclusion. It plays a dual role.
Premise vs. Background
| Premise | Background | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Directly supports a conclusion | Sets the scene or provides context |
| Remove it? | Argument weakens | Argument still stands logically |
| Indicator words | because, since, given that | recently, many people, it is known |
| Example | "Studies show X causes Y" | "In recent years, Y has increased" |
Recognizing Counter-Evidence
Counter-evidence (or an "opposing consideration") is a claim the author introduces only to argue against. The author does not endorse it: they present it to dismiss, qualify, or refute it.
How to Solve These Questions
Worked Example: Finding the Role
"Dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors. Since only animals with advanced self-awareness can do this, dolphins must possess a level of consciousness comparable to that of great apes."
Target statement: "Only animals with advanced self-awareness can recognize themselves in mirrors."
Worked Example: Intermediate Conclusion
"Recent studies show that sleep deprivation impairs decision-making. Therefore, chronically sleep-deprived doctors are likely to make more diagnostic errors. Hospitals should limit physician shift lengths to protect patients."
Target statement: "Chronically sleep-deprived doctors are likely to make more diagnostic errors."
Worked Example: Counter-Evidence
"Some educators argue that standardized tests accurately measure student ability. However, research consistently shows that test scores correlate more strongly with socioeconomic status than with actual knowledge. Thus, standardized tests are an unreliable measure of student ability."
Target statement: "Some educators argue that standardized tests accurately measure student ability."
Indicator Words Cheat Sheet
| Role | Signal Words |
|---|---|
| Conclusion | therefore, thus, hence, consequently, it follows that, so |
| Premise | because, since, given that, for, as indicated by |
| Counter-Evidence | some argue, it might seem, admittedly, granted, one might think |
| Background | recently, in recent years, traditionally, it is well known |
| Pivot (to author's view) | however, but, nevertheless, yet, on the contrary |
Common Mistakes
Summary: Role Identification at a Glance
| Ask Yourself | If Yes, It Is |
|---|---|
| Is everything else in the argument leading to this claim? | Main Conclusion |
| Is it supported AND does it support another claim? | Intermediate Conclusion |
| Does it directly support a conclusion without itself being argued for? | Premise |
| Does the author present it only to argue against it? | Counter-Evidence |
| Does removing it leave the argument's logic intact? | Background / Context |
Question 1 of 5
"Many cities have adopted bike-sharing programs. Since regular cycling reduces cardiovascular disease risk, these programs will likely improve public health outcomes in participating cities."
The bolded statement plays which of the following roles in the argument?
Question 2 of 5
"Some critics contend that video games cause violent behavior. However, longitudinal studies have found no significant correlation between gaming and real-world aggression. Video games, therefore, should not be subject to special restrictions based on violence concerns."
The bolded statement plays which of the following roles?
Question 3 of 5
"All successful entrepreneurs take calculated risks. Martinez invested her savings into an unproven market. Therefore, Martinez took a calculated risk. This suggests she has the mindset required for entrepreneurial success."
The bolded statement functions in the argument as:
Question 4 of 5
"In the past decade, remote work has become increasingly common. Employees who work remotely report higher job satisfaction. Because satisfied employees are more productive, companies that offer remote options are likely to outperform those that do not."
The bolded statement plays which role in the argument?
Question 5 of 5
"Research indicates that bilingual individuals outperform monolinguals on cognitive flexibility tasks. This demonstrates that learning a second language enhances overall cognitive function. Schools should therefore make foreign language study mandatory from an early age."
Which of the following best describes the role of the bolded statement?