LSAT 21, Logical Reasoning II, Q20, LSATHacks

LR Question 20 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: A number of seriously interested amateur astronomers have tested…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Amateur astronomers should use the Exodus telescope.

REASONING: The Exodus produced much more detail than the Newtonian telescopes, even though the Newtonian telescopes let in more light.

ANALYSIS: The argument’s method is to use the experience of part of the group (experienced amateur astronomers) to recommend the telescope to the entire group (all amateur astronomers).

___________

1. It’s implied that we should believe amateur astronomers, but they’re claims aren’t evaluated.
2. No such comparison was made. As far as I can tell, the testing situation was ordinary use.
3. The wider context isn’t given. We don’t know if a third type of telescope is better, or if the Newtonian telescope might offer other advantages for planetary observation.
4. CORRECT. The seriously interested amateur astronomers who tried the Exodus are a subset of the entire group of amateur astronomers. This experience is used to recommend the Exodus to the rest of the group.
5. We’re not told why the amateur astronomers switched to the Exodus or why they like looking at planets.

Recap: The question begins with “A number of seriously interested amateur astronomers have tested”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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