PT72.S2.Q02 - archaeologist: for 2,000 years the ancient sumerians

westcoastbestcoast

https://7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-72-section-2-question-02/
Does the stimulus in this question illustrate a causal relationship between the Sumerian's inability to support agriculture and its collapse? I'm wondering if the second to last sentence of the stimulus can indicate a mere correlation, that there were other factors that caused the collapse unrelated to agriculture. I'm just having trouble understanding if the causation was something indicated through indicator words or if it was implied based on the information of the stimulus.

westcoastbestcoast

bump~

jessicalj

@westcoastbestcoast
I think the stimulus indicates a causal relationship between the Sumerians' inability to support agriculture and the collapse of their civilization. "When", used in this context, would indicate causation. An analogous example would be: "When I eat ice cream too fast, it hurts my teeth."

Thus, the second to last sentence should be read as a factual premise. It links up with the information given about irrigation to support the conclusion in the last sentence. This should help make (B) look less tempting (assuming that's what tripped you up).

westcoastbestcoast

Hey @jessicalj Your example cleared it up for me. Originally, I didnt see when as a indicator of causation so I thought that other factors could be in the air. Thanks!