LSAT 118 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: When uncontrollable factors such as lack of rain …

QUESTION TYPE: Must Be True

FACTS: When uncontrollable factors (e.g. drought) cause wheat crops to fail:

• Fertilizer and seed dealers lose business
• Truckers and mechanics lose business
• Fuel suppliers are unable to sell enough fuel to make a profit

ANALYSIS: This is essentially saying that the effects of drought on wheat crops go beyond the farm. Other businesses connected to farming also suffer.

That’s all we can infer really.

___________

1. This reverses the reasoning. The stimulus says farming problems can hurt related businesses. It does not say that whenever those businesses struggle, farming must be the cause.
2. Too broad. The stimulus is about lack of rain causing wheat crops to fail. It doesn’t claim that any below-average rainfall will make other businesses lose money.
3. The stimulus says lack of rain is uncontrollable, but it does not discuss responsibility or blame.
4. Too broad and dramatic. The stimulus says that crop failure can affect related businesses, but not that dependence on agriculture causes major economic crises.
5. CORRECT. If drought causes crop failure and also hurts dealers, truckers, mechanics, and fuel suppliers, then drought’s consequences are not limited to farm productivity.