LSAT 19, Logical Reasoning II, Q22, LSATHacks

LR Question 22 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: When a planetary system forms, the chances that a…

QUESTION TYPE: Evaluate The Argument

CONCLUSION: It’s unlikely that intelligent life will emerge on a planet.

REASONING: It’s unlikely life will emerge on a small planet if there are no large planets in the solar system. Large planets can block comets that could otherwise destroy the possibility of intelligent life.

ANALYSIS: This sounds like a good argument. But the right answer reminds us that the argument doesn’t tell us how common comets are.

___________

1. This doesn’t matter. It only matters whether there are both large planets and smaller planets.
2. The stimulus is arguing that intelligent life will never arise at all.
3. The second sentence implies that a single large planet would be sufficient.
4. CORRECT. If there are no comets in most planetary systems then large planets may not be needed.
5. We don’t know if a planet being the size of earth is the main condition for supporting life. This would be a much stronger answer if it said: “How likely it is that a system with a large planet will also have a planet capable of supporting life.”

Recap: The question begins with “When a planetary system forms, the chances that a”. It is a Argument Evaluation question. Learn more about LSAT Evaluate questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

Hi, I'm Graeme Blake

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