LSAT 155 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q14

LR Question 14 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Jones: A budget deficit is good for the country’s finances…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Espinosa says Jones’ argument (that a deficit is good) is incorrect.

REASONING: Espinosa uses an analogy to show the problem with Jones’ argument. They compare government deficit to a credit card.

ANALYSIS: The correct answer will note this use of an analogy. With Method of Reasoning questions, you should check the answer choices first. The correct answer will often be obvious to you after reading the argument.

___________

1. CORRECT. This is exactly what Espinosa does. The use of the credit card analogy shows the flaws in Jones’ reasoning.
2. This is not the strategy Espinosa has responded to Jones with.
3. Espinosa has not offered any empirical evidence.
4. Espinosa never accused Jones of poor financial management.

5. This is not the strategy Espinosa uses. This responding strategy would look like this:

   • Argument: “I saw a bus driver today who was 90 years old. I can’t believe bus drivers are so elderly these days!”
   • Response: “Actually, your conclusion is too broad. You only saw one bus driver – that doesn’t demonstrate anything about how old bus drivers are in general.”

Recap: The question begins with “Jones: A budget deficit is good for the country’s finances”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.