LSAT 43, Logical Reasoning II, Q8, LSATHacks

LR Question 8 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: Studies suggest that, for the vast majority of people who…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: Excess sodium intake is harmless for the vast majority of individuals who do not have high blood pressure.

REASONING: Studies indicate that most people just get rid of excess sodium they eat, without much rise in blood pressure. However, some people have trouble getting rid of excess sodium, and also have high blood pressure.

ANALYSIS: This seems like a good argument. However, we don’t have any details on whether this mechanism will work indefinitely. For instance, if excess sodium intake eventually raises blood pressure, then the conclusion would be invalid. The study gives no info on why some individuals with normal blood pressure nonetheless are unable to safely excrete excess sodium intake.

___________

1. That’s a shame for people with high blood pressure, but we’re talking about individuals who do not have high blood pressure.
2. If high blood pressure is exacerbated (made worse), that means that individuals already had high blood pressure. The argument discusses people who do not have it. The argument also acknowledges that some people who consume sodium will experience an increase in blood pressure.
3. CORRECT. This weakens the conclusion. People are safe in the short term, but over time, excess sodium becomes harmful.
4. The argument doesn’t claim we should avoid all sodium. Many things are dangerous in absence and in excess. Lack of water kills you, and excessive water intake will kill you as well.
5. This is a non-issue. The stimulus tells us that all of the excess sodium will be excreted in the vast majority of individuals who have normal blood pressure.

Recap: The question begins with “Studies suggest that, for the vast majority of people who”. It is a Weaken question. Learn more about LSAT Weaken questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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