LSAT 65, Logic Game 2, Question 7, LSATHacks

When a question gives you a new rule, draw a new diagram and ask how the new rule affects existing rules. 

The question places T fifth. We know that T is before W (rule 3):

Next, T can’t be beside P or S (rule 1).

PST need five spaces to spread out. Since T is fifth, then P/S must go first and third. 

Whenever there’s only two possibilities, it’s helpful to draw both. It should only take you a few seconds to draw these two diagrams:

Now you can make separate deductions on each diagram. For instance, you know O is after S:

In the second diagram, N and O go in either order.

D is CORRECT. S can go third or first.

It turns out we solved a bit more than we needed, but it’s always helpful to practice the process of making deductions.

Alternate Method – Elimination

You could also solve this question by elimination. 

A is wrong because W has to go sixth, so N can’t go there.

B is wrong because P can’t go beside T, and T is fifth.

E is wrong because W has to go after T, so W is sixth.

Elimination is a very effective method. Now we’re down to two answers, D and C. 

To solve the question at this point, you would just try a couple of diagrams to see whether S can go second, or third.

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