Environmental Effects of International Debt

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Reading Comprehension question.

TopicsMain PointScience

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Passage

Some environmentalists claim that the higher the international debt a nation carries, the more likely it is that the quality of life in that nation will suffer. These environmentalists argue that in a variety of ways the effort a nation must expend to pay its debt hastens the depletion of its natural example, through the elimination of government subsidies for practices that reduce pollution or conserve natural resources.

But the evidence for the environmentalists’ claims is weak. With respect to the exports promotion hypothesis, one recent study does suggest a positive correlation between international debt and deforestation, but also indicates that other factors besides debt may play a stronger role. Another study found only a slight positive correlation between debt of the fiscal discipline or economic restructuring imposed by debt may rein in potentially harmful spending.

What this question is testing

Main Point

Anticipate

The author's message is basically: Not "they are wrong" -- just "they have not proven it." The main point should sound cautious and evidence-focused.

Goal

Find the measured, skeptical answer. Avoid anything that sounds too certain in either direction.

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

The question

20.

Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of

Answer choices

Correct85% picked this
While some environmentalists maintain that international debt adversely affects a nation’s quality of life, there is little evidence
Why this is right
This captures both elements of the passage: environmentalists maintain that debt harms quality of life, but the evidence is weak.
Skill tested: Main Point · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.
85%
Too Strong3% picked this
Although some environmentalists maintain that international debt leads to environmental damage, we can safely conclude that this
"We can safely conclude that this is not the case" goes beyond the author's position. The author says the evidence is weak and the connection is unknown -- not that the environmentalists are definitively wrong.
3%
Too Strong2% picked this
Further study will demonstrate that international debt does not significantly threaten a nation’s
"Further study will demonstrate" predicts a specific outcome. The author says the question is unresolved, not that future research will vindicate either side.
2%
Too Strong5% picked this
The arguments of environmentalists regarding the relation between international debt and a nation’s quality of life are based upon
"Fundamental misconceptions about economic theory" is never mentioned. The author challenges the evidence, not the economic reasoning.
5%
Too Strong4% picked this
International debt may lead to some environmental damage, but those effects are minor and are
"Minor and offset by countervailing effects" goes beyond the author's position. The author says the evidence is insufficient to establish the connection, not that the effects are minor.
4%

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