Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Hard

PT111 S3 Q9 Explanation

A running track with a hard surface

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

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Stimulus

A running track with a hard surface makes for greater running speed than a soft one, at least under dry conditions, because even though step length is shorter on a hard surface, the time the runner’s running surface is less with a hard surface.

What this question is testing

Weaken

Your task

Find the choice that makes the argument's conclusion less likely to be true.

Common trap

Answers that look negative but attack a claim the argument never relied on.

Winning move

Find the assumption the argument depends on, then pick the choice that undermines it.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
9.

Which one of the following, if true, is evidence that the explanation given above is only

Answer choices

  1. No Impact16% picked this

    Dry running conditions can be guaranteed for indoor track

    This doesn't make any distinction between hard and soft running surfaces. We're looking for a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones.

  2. No Impact7% picked this

    In general, taller runners have greater average step length than shorter

    This doesn't make any distinction between hard and soft running surfaces. We're looking for a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones.

  3. Correct69% picked this

    Hard tracks enhance a runner’s speed by making it easier for the runner to maintain a posture

    Why this is right

    This gives us a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones: hard tracks enhance a runner's speed by [honestly who cares, as long as you're telling me a reason why hard tracks are faster]

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

  4. No Impact5% picked this

    The tracks at which the world’s fastest running times have been recorded are located well above sea level, where

    This doesn't make any distinction between hard and soft running surfaces. We're looking for a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones.

  5. Unclear Impact3% picked this

    To remain in top condition, a soft track surface requires different maintenance procedures than does

    The adjective "different" doesn't convey any information about why hard tracks are faster than soft tracks. Are softer tracks harder to maintain? Easier? We don't know. They're just "different".

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