Logical Reasoning

PT130 · S1 · Q17 A survey taken ten years ago

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 survey taken ten years ago of residents of area L showed that although living conditions were slightly below their country's average, most residents of L reported general satisfaction with their living conditions.

Apparent Paradox

A survey taken ten years ago of residents of area L showed that although living conditions were slightly below their country’s average, most residents of L reported general satisfaction with their living conditions.

However, this year the same survey found that while living conditions are now about the same as the national average, most residents of L report general dissatisfaction with their living conditions.

Evaluate

The question is, It’s possible if the average living conditions in the country experienced a dramatic decline.

17.

Which one of the following, if true, would most help to resolve the apparent conflict between the results of the surveys described above?

  1. Residents of area L typically

    Out of Scope

    Since the statements compare the view of residents in area L at two different times, the view of residents of adjacent areas is not relevant.

    9% picked this

  2. Correct

    Between the times that the

    Why this is right

    This provides the anticipated change necessary for the living conditions in area L to decline in absolute terms while improving in relative terms to the rest of the country.

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

    72% picked this

  3. Optimal living conditions were established

    Applies to Both

    Since this statement applies equally to both surveys, it cannot explain the difference in attitude between them.

    1% picked this

  4. Living conditions in an area

    Irrelevant Relationship

    While this might contribute to an explanation for why the living conditions did not improve. But this does not explain why residents are now dissatisfied with their living conditions, since it does not imply that living conditions declined.

    6% picked this

  5. Ten years ago the residents

    Deepens the Paradox

    Even if it is further assumed that residents are now aware of how their living conditions compare with the national average, this only deepens the paradox.

    12% 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