Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Medium

PT159 S3 Q21 ExplanationSodium nitrate is frequently added to sausages

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

TopicsFlaw

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Stimulus

Sodium nitrate is frequently added to sausages to make them pink. However, sodium nitrate does not contribute to preventing spoilage of the meat, and excessive use of it increases the level of sodium in the sausages beyond what is necessary for good taste. Because consumption of an problems, clearly sodium nitrate should never be added to sausages.

What this question is testing

Flaw

Your task

Describe the reasoning error the argument actually commits.

Common trap

Answers that name a real logical flaw the argument doesn't actually make.

Winning move

Articulate the gap in the reasoning yourself, then match it to the choice that describes that 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
21.

The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on which one of

Answer choices, explained

  1. Trap6% picked this

    The argument makes a recommendation based on evidence from an

  2. Trap11% picked this

    The argument does not address possible risks associated with the

  3. Trap8% picked this

    The argument presumes, without providing justification, that it is appropriate for the government to protect people from possible

  4. Correct73% picked this

    The argument does not provide sufficient justification for preferring the solution it recommends over

    Why this is right

    Answer D is correct.

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

  5. Trap1% picked this

    The argument does not distinguish adequately between medical and economic justifications

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