LSAT 126 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q4

LR Question 4 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: In his book, published in 1892, Grey used the same metaphor…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: Grey must have read Jordan’s book.

REASONING: Grey used an unusual metaphor, which was also used in Jordan’s book. Since Jordan’s book was published first, Grey must have read it. The metaphor was so unusual that it is highly unlikely two authors would have come up with it independently.

ANALYSIS: This argument seems compelling, but there could be another explanation. Both authors may have had a friend in common who used that metaphor. Or Grey may not have read Jordan’s book, but instead heard the metaphor from someone else who did read Jordan’s book.

Or perhaps Jordan and Grey both read the metaphor in another book, published previously. This is the correct answer.

I included the other explanations to show that there are many potential correct answers. It is a good idea to consider a few before looking at the answer choices.

___________

1. CORRECT. This provides an alternate explanation and weakens the conclusion.
2. That wouldn’t make a difference; metaphors can be used successfully in different contexts.
3. If anything, this strengthens the argument by showing that the books are in the same genre.
4. This occurred after the events in question, and is irrelevant.
5. That may be, but he could still have copied that particular metaphor. “Great artists steal,” said Picasso.

Recap: The question begins with “In his book, published in 1892, Grey used the same metaphor”. It is a Weaken question. Learn more about LSAT Weaken questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.