LSAT 21 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The closing of the nuclear power plant is a…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: The manager concludes that money was the reason for the plant’s closing, not safety.

REASONING: There are many other cheap power sources, and safety inspections cost a lot.

ANALYSIS: The activist claimed that the nuclear industry couldn’t operate the plant safely. The manager disagrees by pointing to the high cost of safety inspections and safety repairs.

This evidence actually seems to support the activist. It was too expensive to operate the plant according to safety standards.

___________

1. The activist’s argument was specifically about this particular plant. He said this plant’s closing was an admission that the nuclear plants aren’t safe.
2. The safety of other power sources has nothing to do with whether nuclear power is unsafe.
3. The manager doesn’t even mention the public.
4. It’s not a problem that the manager disagreed with the activist. The two of them are arguing! It’s normal to disagree.
5. CORRECT. It cost a lot of money to keep up with safety inspections and safety repairs. The manager is implying that these expenses forced the industry to shut down the plant. But that means the activist is right that the industry couldn’t operate the plant safely.

Recap: The question begins with “The closing of the nuclear power plant is a”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.