LSAT 8 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q6

LR Question 6 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: We must exploit available resources in developing…

QUESTION TYPE: Point at Issue

ARGUMENTS: Derek says we should harvest Yew trees to develop anti-cancer drugs, even if the Yew trees are threatened. It could take years for a synthetic antidote to be developed.

Lola thinks that we should wait. Yew trees are mostly in protected areas. Their loss could threaten the spotted owl. If we lost both species its hard to say what else might be affected.

ANALYSIS: They disagree on whether it is a good idea to harvest Yew trees. The core of the disagreement is a trade-off between short-term health gains and long-term environmental preservation.

___________

1. Derek doesn’t say anything on this topic. He might think that an anti-cancer drug was even more important than far reaching environmental consequences.
2. In this specific case they disagree. But where synthetic chemicals can be developed rapidly Derek might support them. And where species aren’t threatened Lola might support natural chemicals.
3. CORRECT. Yes. Lola thinks waiting is justified. Derek doesn’t think we should wait.
4. Same as A. Derek might think that an (early) anti-cancer drug outweighs harm to the environment.
5. Derek does consider some environmental consequences. He admits the Yew could be threatened. He just thinks the drug is more important.

Recap: The question begins with “We must exploit available resources in developing”. It is a Point at Issue question. Learn more about LSAT Point at Issue questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.