This blog is a part of the “Approach Question Type” series and like all articles in this series will focus on step 4 of the “Analyze Stimulus” step. If you need a refresher on how to approach LR questions generally, make sure to check up on our blog "How to Approach the Logical Reasoning Section.”
Table of Contents:
The Most Helps Justify (MHJ) question in the LR section is a crossbreed of the Strengthen and Sufficient Assumption (SA) questions. SA questions can also be referred to as “Justify” questions; so for MHJ we want to be very cautious and aware of the clarifier of “Most.” MHJ and SA are both considered strengthen operators; that is, we are asked to inject into the stimulus information that leads us to the conclusion. MHJ questions require you to understand the argument and find the choice that most supports or bolsters it (even if just slightly). The answer aims to fill a logical gap in the argument to make the conclusion stronger, and can actually get very close, but not necessarily guaranteed, as in contrast to an SA question.
Question stem examples
Most Help Justify questions can be plotted on the support spectrum. The green side are operations that help strengthen or support the conclusion, whereas the left red side are operations that weaken the conclusion.
Level of Support:
Most Help Justify: The correct answer strengthens the argument but does not necessarily make the conclusion guaranteed. It increases the likelihood that the conclusion is true and can in fact come very close.
Sufficient Assumption: Sufficient questions are at the end of the support spectrum. The correct answer ensures that the conclusion is guaranteed to be true. It fills any logical gaps completely. It is the strongest strengthener operation because it guarantees the conclusion.
Nature of the Answer:
Most Help Justify: The answer can be a piece of additional information or new information that bolsters the argument without eliminating all doubt.
Sufficient Assumption: The answer must be a new piece of information that makes the conclusion unavoidable when added to the premises.
Logical Skill Used:
Most Help Justify: Assumptions based.
Sufficient Assumption: Assumptions and Formal logic (often diagrammable)
Consider the argument
Premises: Apples are fruits.
Conclusion: Apples are healthy.
Most Help Justify:
An answer might be: "Most people who eat apples report improved health."
This supports the idea that apples are healthy, because of the additional information that “most people who eat apples report improved health.” We are more inclined to believe the conclusion therefore that apples are healthy. However, this additional piece of information does not guarantee the conclusion (for example the reports could be due to the placebo effect, or false reports).
The logical skill used here are assumptions: we assume that the reports are legitimate and can be used to help support our conclusion, but we also have to be wary of possible assumptions that would make the premise fall apart.
Sufficient Assumption:
An answer might be: "If something is a fruit, it is healthy."
Formal Logic: If Fruit → Healthy
This statement, if true, guarantees that apples are healthy because it fills any logical gap between being a fruit and being healthy. We can use our formal logic skills here to guarantee this to be true.
Formal Logic: Apple → Is Fruit → Healthy
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Understanding the nuances between "Most Helps Justify" and "Sufficient Assumption" questions is crucial for mastering the LR section. While both types aim to bridge gaps in arguments, they do so to different extents. "Most Helps Justify" questions enhance the argument's strength without guaranteeing the conclusion, whereas "Sufficient Assumption" questions ensure the conclusion is unavoidable. By recognizing these distinctions and practicing with example arguments, you'll be better equipped to tackle these questions with confidence.
