LSAT 136 – Section 4 – Question 09

LSAT 136 - Section 4 - Question 09

June 2012

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Question
QuickView		 Type Tags Answer
Choices		 Curve Question
Difficulty		 Psg/Game/S
Difficulty		 Explanation
PT136 S4 Q09
+LR
Main conclusion or main point +MC
Causal Reasoning +CausR
A
90%
164
B
7%
160
C
3%
153
D
0%
151
E
0%
147
128
139
150
 +Easier 146.121 +SubsectionMedium

Terrence Gurney suggests that because his books appeal to a wide audience, he is not given due credit for his literary achievements. Surely he is mistaken. Gurney’s books tell interesting stories, but the writing is flat, leaving no lasting impression on the reader. This is likely the reason that Gurney has not received praise for literary achievement.

Summarize Argument: Counter-Position
Terrence Gurney is incorrect in believing that he has not received sufficient credit for his literary achievements because his books are popular with a wide audience. It is more likely that Gurney has not received much praise for literary achievement because his writing is flat and leaves no lasting impression on the reader.

Identify Conclusion
The stimulus's conclusion is the author's opinion that Terrence Gurney is mistaken. Specifically, the author concludes that Gurney is wrong in thinking he hasn't received enough credit for his literary achievements simply because his books appeal to a wide audience.

A
Terrence Gurney is mistaken when he suggests that the wide appeal of his books has prevented him from being given due credit for his literary achievements.
This reflects the main conclusion that Terrence Gurney is operating under an incorrect belief. The stimulus supports this by providing an alternative reason for why Gurney has not received literary praise, stating that Gurney’s writing is flat and leaves no lasting impression.
B
Terrence Gurney’s books are not significant literary achievements.
This misstates a claim in the argument’s context. The author notes that Gurney believes he hasn’t received enough credit for his literary achievements. However, (B) incorrectly interprets this as a claim that Gurney’s books are objectively not significant literary achievements.
C
Even though Terrence Gurney’s books tell interesting stories, his writing is flat and leaves no lasting impression on the reader.
This restates a premise. The author cites Gurney’s flat writing and lack of lasting impression to support the conclusion that Gurney is mistaken about why he hasn't received credit for his literary achievements. Since this supports another claim, it can’t be the main conclusion.
D
Terrence Gurney has not been given due credit for his literary achievements because his books appeal to such a wide audience.
This statement is context. It describes Gurney’s belief, which the author disputes. By explaining Gurney’s belief, this context provides the background needed to understand the author’s counterargument that Gurney’s belief is incorrect.
E
Terrence Gurney should have received some praise for his literary achievements despite the fact that his writing is flat and leaves no lasting impression on the reader.
This is not a claim made in the argument. The author simply explains why Gurney has not received praise for his literary achievements. The author does not discuss whether Gurney’s lack of praise is deserved or not.

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LSAT PrepTest 136 Explanations

Section 1 - Reading Comprehension

Section 2 - Logical Reasoning

Section 3 - Reading Comprehension

Section 4 - Logical Reasoning

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