LSAT 104 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q1

LR Question 1 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Powell: Private waste-removal companies spend 60 percent of what…

QUESTION TYPE: Point at Issue

ARGUMENTS: Powell argues that private waste removal companies are more efficient. They spend less, and provide service that’s just as good.

Freeman points out that private companies choose their own jobs, so they can avoid expensive jobs.

ANALYSIS: Both sides have a point. They disagree on one thing: whether private companies are more efficient.

You can tell Freeman specifically disagrees with this because he says “Your conclusion is unwarranted”. We don’t know if Freeman disagrees with any of Powell’s premises.

___________

1. Freeman says he disagrees with the conclusion, but he doesn’t say he disagrees with the evidence.
2. CORRECT. Powell thinks it’s because private companies are more efficient. Freeman thinks it’s because private companies can choose their own jobs.
3. Powell doesn’t say whether private companies can pick their own customers.
4. Neither Powell nor Freeman say what they think will happen in the future. They’re talking about private companies’ present cost structure.
5. Powell never mentions the needs of a customer.

Recap: The question begins with “Powell: Private waste-removal companies spend 60 percent of what”. It is a Point at Issue question. Learn how to master LSAT Point at Issue questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.