LSAT 149 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The temperature in Taychester is always at least 10 degrees…

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox

PARADOX: Taychester is colder than Charlesville, but Charlesville residents spend more on heating in the winter.

ANALYSIS: To resolve this paradox, we need to establish some difference between Taychester and Charlesville that explains the discrepancy in heating costs. A proper resolution will give a reason for Charlesville costs to be higher, or a reason for Taychester costs to be lower.

Note that this is an except question – so 4 of the answers will resolve the paradox. The correct answer will not.

___________

1. This resolves the paradox. Greater heat loss in Charlesville would require more heating expenses.
2. CORRECT. This answers really tries to make you think that Charlesville nights are colder than Taychester nights. But look at the stimulus again! It says Taychester is always colder than Charlesville: no exception.
    
   So cold Charlesville nights mean even colder Taychester nights, which won’t resolve the paradox.
3. This resolves the paradox. Higher heating costs in Charlesville would naturally mean residents pay more for heating. Even if they use less energy the energy itself costs more.
4. This resolves the paradox. Charlesville is generally warmer than Taychester. So according to this principle people in Charlesville like warm temperatures and keep their homes warmer in winter. This leads to more expenses.
5. This resolves the paradox. Taychester is colder, so the houses there would be better insulated. This means they retain their heat, so costs are less than in the warmer Charlesville.

Recap: The question begins with “The temperature in Taychester is always at least 10 degrees”. It is a Paradox question. Learn more about LSAT Paradox questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.