LSAT 38, Reading Comprehension, Q20, LSATHacks

RC Question 20 Explanation, by LSATHacks

DISCUSSION: Contingencies are random historical events that affect our lives. They didn’t occur because of the choice of an individual, at least not initially. 

Answer C could be a contingency, but it doesn’t have to be. As far as we know, that person lives in the city because of their own choice and not because of a random contingency. 

Examples of contingencies: birth year, gender, height, eye color, native language.

Example of non-contingency: College major, husband/wife, workplace, etc. Basically anything you can choose.

___________

1. If something happens to you randomly and it affects your future behavior, then it’s a contingency. 
2. The person didn’t choose to be born in a farming area, but it affected their actions. It’s a contingency.
3. CORRECT. You generally choose where you live. If you choose something, it isn’t a contingency. And the decision isn’t very important (“visiting friends”). 
4. Definitely a contingency. If your parents are catholic, and you’re catholic, their religion probably has something to do with your beliefs. It’s your own choice, but it’s not completely your own choice.
5. You don’t choose to be born poor. If that affects your future decisions, then it’s a contingency. 

Hi, I'm Graeme Blake

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