LSAT 123 – Section 3 – Question 12

LSAT 123 - Section 3 - Question 12

June 2007

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Question
QuickView		 Type Tags Answer
Choices		 Curve Question
Difficulty		 Psg/Game/S
Difficulty		 Explanation
PT123 S3 Q12
+LR
Main conclusion or main point +MC
Causal Reasoning +CausR
A
1%
141
B
2%
140
C
4%
142
D
63%
153
E
30%
147
135
145
155
 +Medium 144.044 +SubsectionEasier

Novel X and Novel Y are both semiautobiographical novels and contain many very similar themes and situations, which might lead one to suspect plagiarism on the part of one of the authors. However, it is more likely that the similarity of themes and situations in the two novels is merely coincidental, since both authors are from very similar backgrounds and have led similar lives.

Summarize Argument: Counter-Position
The author concludes that the thematic similarities between two semiautobiographical novels is more likely a result of coincidence than plagiarism. To support this idea, the author of the argument says that both novels’ authors have similar backgrounds and have had similar lives.

Identify Conclusion
The conclusion is that the thematic similarity of two novels is more likely coincidental, not a result of plagiarism: “It is more likely that the similarity of themes and situations in the two novels is merely coincidental.”

A
Novel X and Novel Y are both semiautobiographical novels, and the two novels contain many very similar themes and situations.
This is context that sets up the rest of the argument. The main conclusion is the explanation behind these similar themes and situations.
B
The fact that Novel X and Novel Y are both semiautobiographical novels and contain many very similar themes and situations might lead one to suspect plagiarism on the part of one of the authors.
This is also context. This is the opinion that the author of the argument is arguing against; the main conclusion is that the similarities are not from plagiarism.
C
The author of Novel X and the author of Novel Y are from very similar backgrounds and have led very similar lives.
This is a premise that provides support for the conclusion. This supports the author’s idea that the thematic similarities are coincidental; if two authors have similar backgrounds, it makes sense for their semiautobiographical novels to be similar.
D
It is less likely that one of the authors of Novel X or Novel Y is guilty of plagiarism than that the similarity of themes and situations in the two novels is merely coincidental.
This is the main conclusion. The rest of the stimulus is either context or support for this statement.
E
If the authors of Novel X and Novel Y are from very similar backgrounds and have led similar lives, suspicions that either of the authors plagiarized are very likely to be unwarranted.
The argument makes no claims about conditional situations, so a conditional statement cannot be the main conclusion. Further, the argument only makes a comparative claim (”more likely”), but answer E makes an absolute claim (”very likely.”)

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LSAT PrepTest 123 Explanations

Section 1 - Reading Comprehension

Section 2 - Logical Reasoning

Section 3 - Logical Reasoning

Section 4 - Reading Comprehension

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