LSAT 136 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q25

LR Question 25 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Numerous studies have demonstrated a pronounced negative…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Lack of fiber causes colon cancer, and lots of fiber prevents it.

REASONING: There is an inverse correlation between fiber and colon cancer.

ANALYSIS: The argument has shown a correlation between colon cancer and lack of fiber. Without evidence, they’ve assumed that fiber prevents colon cancer.

There are a million other possible causes. Maybe people who eat fiber eat a healthier diet in general, and that is the cause.

The right answer says that foods high in fiber have other substances that fight cancer

___________

1. This doesn’t tell us whether fiber will help prevent colon cancer. It’s just a fact about fiber consumption.
2. Other cancer is irrelevant. The conclusion was only about colon cancer.
3. This may be true, but it doesn’t tell us whether fiber helps prevent colon cancer.
4. The argument hasn’t even proven that fiber fights cancer. It’s pointless to wonder if fiber in different foods has different effects on cancer.
5. CORRECT. This shows that other substances prevent cancer. It’s not necessarily the fiber.