Identifying the Main Conclusion

The ability to identify the main conclusion of an argument is the single most important reading skill for the LNAT. Many questions directly ask you to identify the main conclusion, and nearly all other question types depend on your understanding of it. If you misidentify the conclusion, you are likely to get multiple questions wrong on that passage.

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What Is a Conclusion?

In the context of argumentative writing, the conclusion is the central claim that the author is trying to establish — the point they want you to accept as true or reasonable.

A conclusion is not:

• A summary of the passage (though it may appear in a summary)
• The last sentence of the passage (though it sometimes is)
• A factual statement (facts are premises, not conclusions)
• A background statement or scene-setting

A conclusion is:

• The claim that the premises (reasons, evidence) are meant to support
• The "so what?" of the argument
• What the author wants you to walk away believing

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Conclusion vs. Premise vs. Sub-Conclusion

These three components are often confused. Understanding the difference is critical.