Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Hard

PT6 S2 Q16 Explanation

The ancient Romans understood the principles

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

TopicsParadox

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Stimulus

The ancient Romans understood the principles of water power very well, and in some outlying parts of their empire they made extensive and excellent use of water as an energy source. This makes it all the more striking power in regions dominated by large cities.

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
16.

Which one of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of the difference described above in the Romans’

Answer choices

  1. Trap12% picked this

    The ancient Romans were adept at constructing and maintaining aqueducts that could carry quantities of water sufficient to supply

  2. Trap5% picked this

    In the areas in which water power was not used, water flow in rivers and streams was substantial throughout the year but

  3. Trap1% picked this

    Water power was relatively vulnerable to sabotage, but any damage could be quickly

  4. Trap16% picked this

    In most areas to which the use of water power was not extended, other, more traditional sources of

  5. Correct66% picked this

    In heavily populated areas the introduction of water power would have been certain to cause social unrest by depriving large numbers

    Why this is right

    Answer E is correct.

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

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