LSAT 5 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q20

LR Question 20 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: A certain viral infection is widespread among children…

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox

ANALYSIS: Antibiotics don’t affect this virus yet they clear up the middle ear infection that accompanies the virus. My first thought was that there may be bacteria that accompany the virus and that the antibiotics kill the bacteria.

___________

1. That’s good. But this particular virus is not affected by antibiotics.
2. CORRECT. The antibiotic could kill those bacteria and relieve the children’s symptoms.
3. If they don’t have the virus then they’re irrelevant. We’re discussing children who do have the virus.
4. This provides additional info but no explanation. We’re talking about a particular virus and a particular bacterial infection.
5. As with answer choice C these children are irrelevant to our discussion of children who are infected with the virus.

Recap: The question begins with “A certain viral infection is widespread among children”. It is a Paradox question. Learn more about LSAT Paradox questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.