LSAT Exam Prep (Reasoning)

1. Opposition leader: The government is bound to have known about the weapon smuggling racket and yet the officials turned a blind eye to it. Speaker: How can you be so sure? Opposition leader: Our country is a closed society. Which of the following if true, would most strengthen the claim made by the opposition leader.

If the government had not known about the racket, it could not have put a stop to the racket.

Only a closed society will turn a blind eye to such demeanor.

Governments of most open societies have strict weapon control policies

Only in a closed society will the government have complete knowledge about everything that occurs in the country

By definition, a closed society is the one that does not allow smuggling of any weapons

The statement that "Only in a closed society will the government have complete knowledge about everything that occurs in the country" strengthens the claim made by the opposition leader because it suggests that in a closed society, the government has control over information and is more likely to be aware of illegal activities such as weapon smuggling. This supports the opposition leader's argument that the government must have known about the weapon smuggling racket but chose to ignore it.

Explanation

The statement that "Only in a closed society will the government have complete knowledge about everything that occurs in the country" strengthens the claim made by the opposition leader because it suggests that in a closed society, the government has control over information and is more likely to be aware of illegal activities such as weapon smuggling. This supports the opposition leader's argument that the government must have known about the weapon smuggling racket but chose to ignore it.

2. Some researchers consider "anti-matter" to be the ultimate source of propulsion energy. In anti-matter, as opposed to matter, electrical charges are reversed. A proton of matter has a positive charge. An anti-proton has a negative charge. When matter collides with antimatter in a particle accelerator, the two annihilate each other, producing phenomenal energy. It almost completely converts matter into energy. Anti-matter annihilation is about 100 times more powerful than nuclear fission, and it is about 10 billion times more energetic than present day chemical (rocket) engines. What explains the non-usage of anti-matter in spite of the apparent advantages?

Anti-matter serves to create propulsion energy only.

Antimatter is created by the collision of nuclear particles

Anti-matter generates energy only through its collision with matter.

Antimatter has scope for misuse

Anti-matter does not occur naturally

Anti-matter generates energy only through its collision with matter, which limits its practical usage as a propulsion source. The process of creating and storing anti-matter is extremely difficult and expensive, making it impractical for everyday use. Additionally, the potential for misuse and the challenges of safely containing and controlling anti-matter further discourage its widespread adoption. Therefore, despite its incredible energy potential, the non-usage of anti-matter is due to its limited application and the numerous practical difficulties associated with harnessing its power.

Explanation

Anti-matter generates energy only through its collision with matter, which limits its practical usage as a propulsion source. The process of creating and storing anti-matter is extremely difficult and expensive, making it impractical for everyday use. Additionally, the potential for misuse and the challenges of safely containing and controlling anti-matter further discourage its widespread adoption. Therefore, despite its incredible energy potential, the non-usage of anti-matter is due to its limited application and the numerous practical difficulties associated with harnessing its power.

3. An artificial gene pool of super-administrators!!! It`s originally a Platonic idea. Select a set of alpha-borns, put them in an `academy`, deaden their instincts for worldly life, and churn out philosopher-rulers to do all the planning for lesser mortals. Now, Plato was a jolly good fellow; he helped people question existing customs, overcome the fear of their own wall-shadows, make the most of human relationships, and all of that. But this idea of his was awful. Admit it: all through history, closed clubs of people who think alike have done more damage than good. What is the best summary of the argument above?

There are different classes of people with different intelligence and different career plans.

The word "perfect` is found in the dictionary of fools.

The naturalization of super-brains is a fantastic idea

Homogeneity and perfection breed anomalies and imperfection.

It is not possible to breed a pool of super-brains

The argument above is criticizing the idea of creating a homogenous and perfect group of philosopher-rulers. It argues that throughout history, closed clubs of people who think alike have caused more harm than good. The argument suggests that homogeneity and perfection actually lead to anomalies and imperfections.

Explanation

The argument above is criticizing the idea of creating a homogenous and perfect group of philosopher-rulers. It argues that throughout history, closed clubs of people who think alike have caused more harm than good. The argument suggests that homogeneity and perfection actually lead to anomalies and imperfections.

4. The framers of curriculums have differed greatly in the knowledge they prescribe. If there have been times when all the students at school or college studied the same things, as if it were obvious that without exposure to a common body of knowledge they would not be educated at all, there have been other times when specialization ran so wild that it might almost seem as if educated men had abandoned the thought of ever talking to each other once their education was completed. If knowledge is one of our marks, we can hardly be dogmatic about the kind or the amount. However, if the framer of a curriculum wants to minimize his risks, ________. What is the most critical completion of the passage?

He ought to take lessons from history and incorporate them in his life, taking each step carefully along the way

He ought not to be so iconoclastic at the same time

He ought to give due cognition to specialization in today's world and realize its importance to live in contemporary times

He has to take views of the student community as well and decide the course that he wants to take in life

He can invoke an ancient doctrine, which holds that an educated man ought to know a little about everything and a lot about somethinghe can invoke an ancient doctrine, which holds that an educated man ought to know a little about everything and a lot about something

The passage discusses the different approaches taken by curriculum framers in prescribing knowledge. It mentions that there have been times when all students studied the same things and other times when specialization was prioritized. The most critical completion of the passage suggests that if the curriculum framer wants to minimize risks, they should invoke an ancient doctrine that states an educated person should have a broad understanding of various subjects while also specializing in one area. This completion aligns with the idea that a balanced approach to education, encompassing both breadth and depth of knowledge, is beneficial.

Explanation

The passage discusses the different approaches taken by curriculum framers in prescribing knowledge. It mentions that there have been times when all students studied the same things and other times when specialization was prioritized. The most critical completion of the passage suggests that if the curriculum framer wants to minimize risks, they should invoke an ancient doctrine that states an educated person should have a broad understanding of various subjects while also specializing in one area. This completion aligns with the idea that a balanced approach to education, encompassing both breadth and depth of knowledge, is beneficial.

5. Though eminently renowned, Dr. McKenzie is not as competent a surgeon as his reputation suggests. Over the past 3 years, only 14 patients out of every 50 that he has operated upon, have recovered completely after the surgery. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the given argument?

Dr. McKenzie has performed some of the most difficult surgeries of late

.Dr. McKenzie specializes in surgeries of the type that are not so common in the region.

The hospital where Dr. McKenzie works has state-of-the-art surgical equipment but not much technological back up.

Though Dr. McKenzie is an expert in his field, he has not had the time to update his knowledge about the latest developments in the field of medicine.

In most cases, patients get referred to Dr. McKenzie after they have been turned away by other surgeons as hopeless cases.

This statement weakens the argument because it suggests that Dr. McKenzie's patients are already in critical condition or considered hopeless cases when they are referred to him. This could explain why only a small percentage of his patients recover completely after surgery, as they may have more complex or serious medical conditions.

Explanation

This statement weakens the argument because it suggests that Dr. McKenzie's patients are already in critical condition or considered hopeless cases when they are referred to him. This could explain why only a small percentage of his patients recover completely after surgery, as they may have more complex or serious medical conditions.

6. Private suppliers of education are performing far better than government ones. But Amartya Sen argues for banning private tuitions and non-government schools and states that banning private schools will improve government schools in the long run. Private tuitions must be banned because they give the rich an edge, hence making the poor suffer. If we want to see our government schools in a better shape; we simply need to adhere to Sen`s suggestions. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the author`s argument for banning private tuitions?

Ban on private tutorship will hinder growth of students who can otherwise progress well.

The government should first take steps to improve the quality of tutorship in government schools.

Enforcing such bans would be a serious violation of fundamental rights of private suppliers of education.

Private suppliers of education provide competition and banning them would leave the field free for government schools that would further compromise the quality of education.

Those who can afford will start going overseas for education, thus increasing the inequality among the rich and the poor

The author argues that banning private tuitions and non-government schools will improve government schools in the long run. However, if it is true that private suppliers of education provide competition and banning them would leave the field free for government schools, this weakens the author's argument. It suggests that without competition from private suppliers, government schools may not be motivated to improve the quality of education, leading to a further compromise in the quality of education.

Explanation

The author argues that banning private tuitions and non-government schools will improve government schools in the long run. However, if it is true that private suppliers of education provide competition and banning them would leave the field free for government schools, this weakens the author's argument. It suggests that without competition from private suppliers, government schools may not be motivated to improve the quality of education, leading to a further compromise in the quality of education.

7. The bridges in our town are highly unsafe for commuters because of low railings. The number of deaths, as a result of fall from a bridge, is reported to have increased many-fold. The deceased were mostly in the age group 18-24. The warning signs don't clearly indicate the hazard. The management is, therefore, the one to be blamed for the deaths caused by fall from the bridge. Which of the following, if true, would pose a serious doubt on the author's conclusion?

Bridges have been a preferred location for committing suicides in the city.

The sidewalks of the bridge have become slippery for lack of regular cleaning but go unnoticed causing accidents

Glow-in-the-dark signs and reflectors are dysfunctional and have not yet been replaced by the management.

Warning signs, if properly placed, help a lot in preventing accidents like falling off a bridge.

Since the accident rate is much higher in the case of youngsters, the possible reason could be over speeding

The fact that bridges have been a preferred location for committing suicides in the city suggests that the deaths caused by falls from the bridges may not be solely due to the management's negligence. It raises the possibility that some of the deaths could be intentional suicides rather than accidents caused by unsafe conditions. Therefore, this information casts doubt on the author's conclusion that the management is solely to blame for the deaths.

Explanation

The fact that bridges have been a preferred location for committing suicides in the city suggests that the deaths caused by falls from the bridges may not be solely due to the management's negligence. It raises the possibility that some of the deaths could be intentional suicides rather than accidents caused by unsafe conditions. Therefore, this information casts doubt on the author's conclusion that the management is solely to blame for the deaths.

8. Residents argue that the recent effort to reduce crime by clamping a curfew on movement in groups of 6 or more persons after 5:00 pm is insufficient and unproductive especially as students usually move late in groups of 4 or 5. They claim that simply having all movements in groups of even two persons restricted after 8:00 pm could be a greater deterrent to crime. Which of the following does the argument NOT assume?

Elements indulging in illegal or criminals acts are not likely to consider logistics of distance and time when planning or preparing for any crime.

Student groups don't often move well after 8:00 pm for tutorials and recreation.

The deployment of police force is sparse after 8:00 pm.

Most criminal acts are committed after 8:00 pm.Law enforcement agencies are unable to garner sufficient evidence to identify potential miscreants

The argument does not assume that most criminal acts are committed after 8:00 pm or that law enforcement agencies are unable to gather sufficient evidence to identify potential miscreants. The argument is focused on the effectiveness of reducing crime by implementing a curfew on group movements, suggesting that restricting all movements in groups of even two persons after 8:00 pm could be a greater deterrent to crime. The argument does not make assumptions about the timing of criminal acts or the ability of law enforcement agencies to gather evidence.

Explanation

The argument does not assume that most criminal acts are committed after 8:00 pm or that law enforcement agencies are unable to gather sufficient evidence to identify potential miscreants. The argument is focused on the effectiveness of reducing crime by implementing a curfew on group movements, suggesting that restricting all movements in groups of even two persons after 8:00 pm could be a greater deterrent to crime. The argument does not make assumptions about the timing of criminal acts or the ability of law enforcement agencies to gather evidence.

9. People say that youth tend to fly to other countries for jobs due to unemployment. Better salaries, perks and exposure to challenges motivate them to move out of the country and serve companies overseas. But the shoe is really on the other foot. Brain drain itself is the main reason for lack of jobs in the country. Which of the following factors would support the author's contention?

Companies hesitate to invest in new ventures because of the perceived propensity of youth to go abroad.

Existing job distribution system doesn't promote quality employment.

The high profile jobs in the country go not to the deserving, but to the favored.

With the exit of highly skilled manpower, high skill outsourcing jobs cannot be sourced to the country.

The global meltdown has caused scarcity of investments and of job-creation both at home and abroad.

The author's contention is that brain drain is the main reason for lack of jobs in the country. The factor that supports this contention is that companies hesitate to invest in new ventures because of the perceived propensity of youth to go abroad. This suggests that companies are not willing to take risks and invest in new ventures because they fear that the young workforce will leave the country for better opportunities overseas. This lack of investment in new ventures leads to a lack of job creation and contributes to the overall unemployment problem in the country.

Explanation

The author's contention is that brain drain is the main reason for lack of jobs in the country. The factor that supports this contention is that companies hesitate to invest in new ventures because of the perceived propensity of youth to go abroad. This suggests that companies are not willing to take risks and invest in new ventures because they fear that the young workforce will leave the country for better opportunities overseas. This lack of investment in new ventures leads to a lack of job creation and contributes to the overall unemployment problem in the country.

10. Read the given passage and answer the following. If you are a parent, you know how hard it is to refuse repeated requests for an ice cream or a desperately wanted toy. If you are not a parent, I'm sure you remember asking, even begging for a toy, a treat or permission to stay up past your bedtime, until your parents finally gave in. Your customers and prospective customers are similar. They need to be asked repeatedly too. That is the whole game in a nutshell. Create or get a list of people who have demonstrated they are interested in the type of product or service you offer. And/Or get a list of people extremely likely to be interested, even if they haven't already proved they are, by buying from you or one of your competitors. Once you have these lists of people contact them with postcards which offer them the benefits of your products and services and keep making them offers until they inquire and/or buy from you and then ask them to buy more on a regular basis. You will have a smile on your face just like the little kid with a belly full of ice cream which he/she convinced mom to buy. Which of the conclusions can best be drawn from the passage?

Personal communication is very important in business

People respond to repetition

Marketing is an art and you have to master it

The best lessons for business are learnt at home

The passage emphasizes the importance of repeatedly asking customers and prospective customers for their business, just like children repeatedly ask their parents for toys or treats. This suggests that people respond to repetition, indicating that marketing is an art that needs to be mastered in order to effectively persuade and convince customers to buy products or services.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes the importance of repeatedly asking customers and prospective customers for their business, just like children repeatedly ask their parents for toys or treats. This suggests that people respond to repetition, indicating that marketing is an art that needs to be mastered in order to effectively persuade and convince customers to buy products or services.