LSAT 104 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q16

LR Question 16 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Recent research shows that sound change (pronunciation shift) in a…

QUESTION TYPE: Strengthen

CONCLUSION: We have to get rid of sound change theory.

REASONING: One part of sound change theory was wrong (the classical account).

ANALYSIS: Why should we get rid of an entire theory, just because part of it was wrong?

The right answer shows that the entire theory was influenced by this corrupt element.

___________

1. This shows why we need to get rid of the classical account. It doesn’t show why we must get rid of sound change theory in general.
2. This explains how new sounds are formed. But it has nothing to do with whether we ought to discard an entire theory.
3. Same as B. This is just a useless fact about how sound change can occur.
4. CORRECT. This shows that sound change theory in general has been corrupted by the flawed classical account. It may be there’s nothing of value we can salvage.
5. This shows it’s hard to research the early stages of languages. This doesn’t tell us to get rid of sound change theory.

Recap: The question begins with “Recent research shows that sound change (pronunciation shift) in a”. It is a Strengthen question. Learn more about LSAT Strengthen questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.