LSAT 119 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q4

LR Question 4 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Anne: Halley’s Comet, now in a part of its orbit relatively far…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Anne thinks a comet flare so far from the Sun must be highly unusual.

Sue thinks the flare was not unusual.

REASONING: Anne thinks the flare was unusual because such flares are rarely observed so far from the Sun. Sue thinks they are rarely observed only because no one is usually watching.

ANALYSIS: Sue uses the same evidence as Anne, but gives an alternate explanation.

___________

1. Observed is perfectly clear in both cases: “was seen.”
2. Nothing inconsistent. Sue does not dispute Anne’s evidence; she adds to it.
3. Sue doesn’t contradict Anne; she adds a new fact and an alternate explanation.
4. CORRECT. Yes. Sue does not disagree with Anne’s facts, but she explains them differently.
5. Actually, Sue disagrees with Anne’s conclusion, but doesn’t undermine her evidence.

Recap: The question begins with “Anne: Halley’s Comet, now in a part of its orbit relatively far”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.