LSAT 114 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q1

LR Question 1 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: If the principal is speaking sincerely, then…

QUESTION TYPE: Must be True

ARGUMENTS: Mrs. Smith doesn’t think it’s fair that her son had to miss recess when he had not thrown raisins.

The principle argues that it’s like a traffic jam caused by an accident: even the innocent must suffer.

ANALYSIS: The principal’s analogy expresses resignation. Even innocent travelers are caught in traffic. He is implying that Mrs. Smith’s son was innocent yet nonetheless had to miss recess.

___________

1. The principal doesn’t say how many people he thinks were responsible.
2. CORRECT. The principal implies that he is aware her son threw no raisins. But her son must suffer regardless, just like those caught in a traffic jam. 
3. The accident is just an analogy. The principal doesn’t say what causes the jam.
4. The principal doesn’t say anything directly about the accident. His analogy implies Mrs. Smith’s son is innocent, but he doesn’t say anything more than that. 
5. The principal doesn’t say if the strategy worked or even if it was his idea.