Logical Reasoning

PT10 · S1 · Q11 The fire that destroyed

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

  • Save & drill this skill — build targeted practice sets from questions like this one

  • Video walkthroughs — watch every question solved step by step

  • 81 official LSATs — as questions, timed sections & full-length tests

Start practicing free

The fire that destroyed the Municipal Building started before dawn this morning, and the last fire fighters did not leave until late this afternoon.

Conclusion

Thomas must have seen it, whatever he now says to the contrary.

Rephrase: Thomas saw the fire this morning.

Evidence

The fire started before dawn and lasted until late in the afternoon. No one could be near such a fire and not notice it. Thomas admits he went from his apartment to the library this morning. He has to pass the Municipal Building to get there.

Evaluate

The argument concludes that Thomas saw the fire, despite any claims he may make to the contrary. The conclusion is supported by several premises — the duration and intensity of the fire, Thomas' route from his apartment to the library, and the necessity of passing by the Municipal Building. This follows the common pattern of a rebuttal conclusion where the author rejects a possible counterclaim (Thomas saying he didn't see the fire).

Goal

Find the best available meaning match for *Thomas saw the fire this morning.*

11.

The main conclusion of the argument is that

  1. Thomas was in the vicinity

    Premise

    This answer is a premise that supports the conclusion: Thomas was in the vicinity of the fire (because his route takes him past the Municipal Building).

    11% picked this

  2. Thomas claimed not to have

    Opposing Idea

    This answer represents Thomas's claim and not the main conclusion of the argument. The conclusion is that despite this claim, Thomas saw the fire.

    5% picked this

  3. Correct

    Thomas saw the fire this

    Why this is right

    This matches the meaning of the main conclusion, which we identified as Thomas saw the fire this morning.

    Skill tested: Main Conclusion · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    81% picked this

  4. Thomas went directly from his

    Premise

    This is another premise used to support the main conclusion. Thomas admits going directly from his apartment to the library.

    0% picked this

  5. Thomas went by the Municipal

    Premise

    This is also a premise supporting the conclusion and includes part of the evidence that Thomas must have seen the fire.

    4% picked this

Continue the review in LSAT Lab

Save this question, watch the video walkthrough, and drill similar questions in your LSAT Lab account.

Save and practice this skill
LSAT Lab

Turn this review into a targeted study plan.

Save this question, drill more like it, watch the video walkthrough, and track your progress in your LSAT Lab account.

Start practicing free