LSAT 103 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q8

LR Question 8 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Grasses and woody plants are planted on dirt embankments to keep…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: We can prevent erosion by having predators hunt rats.

REASONING: There are two problems that occur when we plant grass and woody plants to prevent erosion.

First, rats come and eat the woody plants that prevent erosion. Second, grass clippings cause woody plants’ roots to die, and this lead to erosion.

ANALYSIS: The argument tells us two problems that will lead to erosion. Then it gives us a solution to solve one of the two problems.

The author forgot that we need to do something about the smothered roots.

___________

1. Which two events? We’re not told that any co-occur.
   Also, there are some events that clearly do cause other events. Grass clippings smother roots, and attract rats, for example.
2. All the facts are general. The argument doesn’t mention any particular dirt embankments.
3. This isn’t a circular argument. The argument is even half-good: predators might eliminate rats, at least.
4. The argument never said predators are the only solution.
5. CORRECT. Predators will get rid of the rats, but they won’t stop the roots from rotting. The author’s solution is incomplete.

Recap: The question begins with “Grasses and woody plants are planted on dirt embankments to keep”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.