LSAT 126 – Section 3 – Question 20

LSAT 126 - Section 3 - Question 20

October 2008

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Question
QuickView		 Type Tags Answer
Choices		 Curve Question
Difficulty		 Psg/Game/S
Difficulty		 Explanation
PT126 S3 Q20
+LR
Main conclusion or main point +MC
Sampling +Smpl
A
0%
151
B
82%
164
C
6%
156
D
11%
157
E
0%
153
139
148
157
 +Medium 144.364 +SubsectionEasier

Scientists studying a common type of bacteria have discovered that most bacteria of that type are in hibernation at any given time. Some microbiologists have concluded from this that bacteria in general are usually in hibernation. This conclusion would be reasonable if all types of bacteria were rather similar. But, in fact, since bacteria are extremely diverse, it is unlikely that most types of bacteria hibernate regularly.

Summarize Argument: Counter-Position
It is unlikely that most types of bacteria hibernate regularly. Some microbiologists claim that most bacteria hibernate regularly, but they base that off of a study of one type of bacteria - which is a problem because types of bacteria are different, not similar.

Identify Conclusion
The conclusion is the author’s claim about bacterial hibernation: “it is unlikely that most types of bacteria hibernate regularly.”

A
Bacteria of most types are usually in hibernation.
This is the claim of some microbiologists that the author refutes.
B
It is probably not true that most types of bacteria hibernate regularly.
This accurately rephrases the conclusion that it is unlikely (probably not true) that most types of bacteria hibernate regularly.
C
If bacteria are extremely diverse, it is unlikely that most types of bacteria hibernate regularly.
The “if” statement makes this answer choice incorrect. The author establishes that bacteria are extremely diverse in a premise. The conclusion of the argument is not conditional.
D
The conclusion that bacteria in general are usually in hibernation would be reasonable if all types of bacteria were rather similar.
This is a premise that sets up why that conclusion is not reasonable. The author combines this with the fact that bacteria are diverse to refute that conclusion.
E
It is likely that only one type of bacteria hibernates regularly.
This answer choice goes too far. The author concludes that it is unlikely that most types hibernate regularly, but that does not mean that only type does.

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LSAT PrepTest 126 Explanations

Section 1 - Logical Reasoning

Section 2 - Reading Comprehension

Section 3 - Logical Reasoning

Section 4 - Logical Reasoning

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