LSAT 119 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q10

LR Question 10 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Charlene: Environmental cleanup increasingly relies on microoganisms…

QUESTION TYPE: Misinterpretation

PARADOX: Charlie says microbes become less effective when a “region’s temperature” falls below “normal.”

Olaf misunderstands, and thinks Charlie means that microbes in colder regions are less effective. He gives evidence that microbes are just as fast in the Arctic as in the subtropics.

ANALYSIS: I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it: take the time to re-read a stimulus if you don’t get it on the first read. The answer choices won’t help you. I read this three times; I think it took 10 extra seconds. But once you understand, you’ll get the right answer instantly, so it saves time.

The key here is “normal.” Below normal in the Arctic means “colder than usual for the Arctic.” Owen’s comparison is irrelevant. Every region has temperature fluctuations, and microbes in each region are less effective on colder days.

___________

1. Owen correctly understands that cleanup operations rely on microbes.
2. CORRECT. Owen mistakenly thinks “below normal” means “cold” rather than “below average.”
3. Owen correctly understands that the microbes are supposed to remove pollutants.
4. Owen understood, which is why he tried to show cold was not a limitation.
5. Owen understood, and tried to show that microbes are active even in cold weather.

Recap: The question begins with “Charlene: Environmental cleanup increasingly relies on microoganisms”. It is a Misinterpretation question. Learn more about LSAT Misinterpretation questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.