Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Easy

PT133 S2 Q8 Explanation

Engineers are investigating

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

TopicsParadox

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Stimulus

Engineers are investigating the suitability of Wantastiquet Pass as the site of a new bridge. Because one concern is whether erosion could eventually weaken the bridge's foundations, they contracted for two reports on erosion in the region. Although both reports are accurate, one claims that the region that regional erosion is heavy and a cause for concern.

What this question is testing

Paradox

Your task

Break the argument into its conclusion and evidence, then do exactly what the question stem asks with that structure.

Common trap

Answers that sound relevant to the topic but don't connect to the argument's actual reasoning.

Winning move

Predict what a right answer must do, then test each choice against the conclusion-evidence gap.

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

The question
8.

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain how both reports

Answer choices

  1. Applies to Both1% picked this

    Neither report presents an extensive chemical analysis of the soil in

    Answers that are equally applicable to both groups are poorly suited to explaining a difference between the two groups.

  2. Applies to Both1% picked this

    Both reports include computer-enhanced satellite

    Answers that are equally applicable to both groups are poorly suited to explaining a difference between the two groups.

  3. Too Weak2% picked this

    One report was prepared by scientists from a university, while the other report was prepared by scientists from

    Different authors can reach different conclusions, but this does not show how both reports could be accurate.

  4. Correct96% picked this

    One report focuses on regional topsoil erosion, while the other report focuses on riverbank erosion

    Why this is right

    This is similar to the predicted explanation in that the two reports are about different kinds of erosion.

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

  5. Too Weak0% picked this

    One report cost nearly twice as much to prepare as did

    This could explain how the two studies arrived at different conclusions, but it does not help explain how they can both be accurate.

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