LSAT 132 | Section 1 | Reading Comprehension: Q6

RC Question 6 Explanation

DISCUSSION: You should always reread the lines in question. Line 50-58 discuss the limits of lichenometry:

• It should be used for earthquakes less than 500 years old.
• Sites should avoid snow avalanches.
• Shade and wind must be factored in.

Bull and Brandon are assuming that those things can be done. Especially the last one. It seems hard to factor in shade and wind. It’s hard to say what shade and wind were like over a few hundred years.

This question is very much like a LR necessary assumption question. You can negate the answers.

___________

1. Bull and Brandon aren’t assuming anything about earthquakes older than 500 years. They say lichenometry is best used only for recent quakes.
   Negation: Lichenometry is not the best method for earthquakes older than 500 years.
2. Radiation relates to radiocarbon dating (lines 43-45). This isn’t relevant to lichenometry.
3. This would weaken the argument if true.
   Negation: Lichens can grow in many places.
4. This would weaken the argument if true. Bull and Brandon say to avoid snow avalanches, so it would be better if lichenometry could be used on mountains that don’t have avalanches.
5. CORRECT. This is necessary. If we can’t determine how shade and wind affect growth, then we can’t factor them in. See lines 57-58.
   Negation: The extent to which shade and wind affect lichen growth cannot be determined.