LSAT 21 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q12

LR Question 12 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Alan: Government subsidies have been proposed in Cariana to…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

ARGUMENTS: Alan thinks that agricultural production in Rochelle will go down unless there are subsidies for farmers. Current techniques cause erosion, and farmers need subsidies to afford new techniques.

Betty points out that erosion is also caused by floods. The floods will stop next year because of a dam, so we can keep agricultural production stable even without subsidies.

ANALYSIS: Betty sidesteps the issue of subsidies and claims that an outside factor will eliminate erosion without the need for new techniques.

___________

1. Betty hasn’t disagreed with any of Alan’s evidence. She just introduces a new factor.
2. CORRECT. Alan says that erosion can’t be controlled unless we use new techniques. Betty undermines this premise by pointing out that the dam could stop the floods that lead to erosion.
3. Betty disagrees with Alan’s conclusion. Subsidies aren’t necessary, since the dam will prevent erosion.
4. Betty didn’t say that subsidies would hurt agricultural output. She just claimed the subsidies won’t be necessary thanks to the dam.
5. Betty doesn’t do anything like that. She just introduces a completely new factor: a dam to prevent floods.

Recap: The question begins with “Alan: Government subsidies have been proposed in Cariana to”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.