LSAT 159 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q8

LR Question 8 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Sinking large, obsolete pieces of equipment in coral areas …

QUESTION TYPE: Role in Argument

CONCLUSION: The practice might be bad ecologically even if it provides habitats for marine life.

REASONING: It might have other negative ecological effects.

ANALYSIS: The proponents are saying creating marine habitats proves the practice is good. The author responds that even if it does create habitats, it might still have other negative effects (upsetting ecological balance in unknown ways).

The statement clearly isn’t the conclusion. The conclusion is that the practice may be ecologically unsound.

But it does support the conclusion by offering a possible ecological risk. So it’s a premise or a supporting reason for the author’s conclusion.

___________

1. It’s one specific point within the argument, but not a summary of the whole argument.
2. The statement is the author’s argument, so they’re not trying to refute it. They’re trying to refute a different statement (the proponent’s argument).
3. This would describe the proponent’s reasoning (provides habitats -> ecologically sound), not the author’s.
4. The main conclusion is that the practice may be ecologically unsound, not that it upsets ecological balance.
5. CORRECT. Yes. It provides the reason for doubting the practice’s ecological soundness. So it’s a premise of the argument used to support the conclusion.