Logical Reasoning

PT123 · S3 · Q17 When exercising the muscles in one’s back

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

When exercising the muscles in one’s back, it is important, in order to maintain a healthy back, to exercise the muscles on opposite sides of the spine equally.

Premise

The muscles on opposite PA → PE sides of the spine must pull equally in opposing directions to keep the back in proper alignment and protect the spine.

Intermediate Conclusion

Balanced muscle HB → BMD development is needed to maintain a healthy back.

Conclusion

When exercising the HB → EOS muscles in one’s back, it is important, in order to maintain a healthy back, to exercise the muscles on opposite sides of the spine equally.

Evaluate

The main argument BMD → EOS assumes that balanced muscle development requires exercising the muscles on opposite sides of the spine equally.

17.

Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument?

  1. Muscles on opposite sides of

    Too Strong / Illegal Reversal

    We had a premise telling us that proper alignment requires muscles on opposite sides pulling equally. This is regurgitating that relationship but in illegal negation form, saying that muscles pulling equally on opposite sites guarantees proper alignment. The author believes that equally developed opposing muscles are required, not that they are enough on their own to guarantee proper alignment.

    17% picked this

  2. Correct

    Exercising the muscles on opposite

    Why this is right

    This bridges the gap between balanced muscle development and exercising the muscles on opposite sides of the spine equally.

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

    59% picked this

  3. Provided that one exercises the

    Reversal

    This reverses the EOS → HB conclusion of the argument.

    21% picked this

  4. If the muscles on opposite

    Too Strong

    While this provides a ~EOS → ID relationship similar to the conclusion, it goes too far. It need not be the case that the back is irreparably damaged in order for it to be unhealthy.

    2% picked this

  5. One should exercise daily to

    Out of Scope

    The frequency of one’s exercises is not relevant to this argument.

    1% 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