LSATHacks
  • Explanations
  • Tutoring
  • Courses
  • Login
  • Cart
  • Explanations
  • Tutoring
  • Courses
  • Login
  • Cart
LSAT Explanations › Preptest 114 › Reading Comprehension › Question 20

LSAT 114 | Section 3 | Reading Comprehension: Q20

LSAT Preptest 114 explanations

RC Question 20 Explanation

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. 
Previous Question
↑ Return to PT 114
Next Passage
Quick Jump PT Section Que

Hi, I'm Graeme Blake

I scored a 177 on the LSAT. I founded LSATHacks and created the LSAT Mastery Seminars to help students succeed.

I’ve personally written explanations for 5,000+ LSAT questions. If you find these explanations helpful, you'll definitely like our courses.

Join my email list for LSAT study tips and resources.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free LSAT Email Course

My best LSAT tips, straight to your inbox

Increase Your Score

LSATHacks Courses Aiming For The 170S? See exactly how a top scorer thinks INCREASE YOUR SCORE
“The seminars teach you how to think like a high-scorer so that you can choose the correct answer quickly.” — Jay
“Not only did my score improve but I was able to approach LR with utter confidence” — Kacie L.

Resources

  • Articles
  • Blog
  • Free Email Course
  • LSAT Preptest Converter
  • Experimental Section Checker
  • LSAT Prep Books

About LSATHacks

  • About/Contact
  • Courses
  • Free Trial

Community

  • Discord
  • Social Media
  • Webinars
Disclaimer: Use of these explanations requires official LSAT preptests. LSAT is a registered trademark of LSAC.
LSAC does not review or endorse specific test preparation materials or services and has not reviewed this site.

© Copyright 2026 LSATHacks. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Terms