LSAT 118 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q2

LR Question 2 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The process by which nylon is manufactured releases large…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: Cotton fiber would be less environmentally damaging than nylon [for making rope and thread].

REASONING: Nylon’s manufacturing process releases a harmful gas (nitrous oxide.) Cotton releases no harmful gases.

ANALYSIS: There are other possible environmental problems besides harmful gases. Showing that cotton is also harmful would have been one way to weaken the argument.

The correct answer choice C takes a different route and tells us that all of the nylon will still be used elsewhere even if cotton is used for rope. So pollution levels will stay the same.

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1. So? Reducing the amount of nitrous oxide released would be a step in the right direction.
2. This strengthens the argument. Even a partial replacement is a good thing.
3. CORRECT. This shows that the nylon will just be used for other processes. The damage will still occur. 
4. This shows that the argument would actually work. 
5. We don’t really care about the production of cotton fiber. It was just a tool to reduce pollution.