LSAT 159 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q21

LR Question 21 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Sodium nitrate is frequently added to sausages to make them pink …

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Sodium nitrate should never be added to sausages.

REASONING: It’s not necessary for preservation or taste, and too much of it increases sodium to unhealthy levels.

ANALYSIS: The author jumps from “too much sodium nitrate is harmful” to “it should never be used”. That’s an overgeneralization.

The reasoning ignores the possibility that adding a small, controlled amount might be safe and still achieve the desired color effect. They’re treating any amount as bad simply because excessive amounts are harmful. That’s a flaw.

___________

1. There’s no sampling involved or discussed so we don’t know this.
2. The author does discuss some risks, like spoilage, which they say isn’t a risk in this case.
3. Nothing in the argument mentions government policy or consent.
4. CORRECT. The author concludes sodium nitrate should never be added, even though the evidence only shows that excessive use is bad. A moderate, limited use might avoid the health issue.
5. There’s no discussion of economic issues or policies at all.