Logical Reasoning

PT124 · S3 · Q4 A recent test of an electric

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

A recent test of an electric insect control device discovered that, of the more than 300 insects killed during one 24-hour period, only 12 were mosquitoes.

Evidence

A recent test of an electric insect control device discovered that, of the more than 300 insects killed during one 24-hour period, only 12 were mosquitoes.

Conclusion

This type of device will not significantly aid in controlling the potentially dangerous mosquito population.

Evaluate

Without further information it’s not fair to say that the device was ineffective. What if there were only 12 mosquitoes in the area during the 24-hour period? Then the device would have killed 100 percent of the mosquitoes.

4.

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

  1. Correct

    A careful search discovered no

    Why this is right

    This suggests the device killed 100 percent of the mosquitoes in the area. That would weaken the claim that the device will not significantly control the mosquito population.

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

    82% picked this

  2. A very large proportion of

    Out of Scope - Other Group

    This is not relevant to whether the device will control the mosquito population.

    7% picked this

  3. The device is more likely

    Out of Scope

    The issue isn’t whether the device should be put to use, but whether it would be effective at controlling the mosquito population.

    1% picked this

  4. Many of the insects that

    Strengthens

    This make it less likely that the device will control the mosquito population since it kills a natural predator of mosquitoes.

    9% picked this

  5. The device does not succeed

    Too Weak

    The device could still be effective at controlling the mosquito population since it could be that only insects other mosquito's were able to get away from the device and survive once attracted to it.

    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