LSAT 107 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q13

LR Question 13 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: During recessions unemployment typically rise…

QUESTION TYPE: Relationship Between Arguments

ARGUMENTS: Charles says that recessions cause a decrease in pollution. Fewer people have jobs, so fewer people use their cars to drive to work.

Darla points out that fewer people will be able to buy new cars, so their old cars will pollute more and more as they age.

ANALYSIS: Darla adds new information that shows Charles didn’t consider a relevant factor.

___________

1. Darla didn’t disagree with Charles. She just added new information that shows he didn’t consider all factors.
2. Not necessarily. Old cars might not pollute enough to offset the decrease in driving that Charles mentions. Charles’ conclusion could be right even if Darla is correct that some older cars will pollute more.
3. CORRECT. Darla hasn’t disproved Charles’ conclusion, but she has weakened it by showing a new factor that ought to be considered.
4. Darla disagrees with Charles: she questions his claim that pollution will decrease.
5. Darla doesn’t use Charles’ premises. She introduces new evidence that gives us reason to doubt his conclusion.

Recap: The question begins with “During recessions unemployment typically rise”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn how to master LSAT Method of Reasoning questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.