Exam LSAT Section 1 Logical Reasoning topic 1 question 143 discussion

Actual exam question from Test Prep's LSAT Section 1 Logical Reasoning

Question #: 143
Topic #: 1

[All LSAT Section 1 Logical Reasoning Questions]

Opponents of peat harvesting in this country argue that it would alter the ecological balance of our peat-rich wetlands and that, as a direct consequence of this, much of the country's water supply would be threatened with contamination. But this cannot be true, for in Ireland, where peat has been harvested for centuries, the water supply is not contaminated. We can safely proceed with the harvesting of peat.
Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A. Over hundreds of years, the ecological balance of all areas changes slowly but significantly, sometimes to the advantage of certain flora and fauna.
B. The original ecology of the peat-harvesting are as of Ireland was virtually identical to that of the undisturbed wetlands of this country.
C. The activities of other industries in coming years are likely to have adverse effects on the water supply of this country.
D. The peat resources of this country are far larger than those of some countries that successfully harvest peat.
E. The peat-harvesting industry of Ireland has be enable to supply most of that country's fuel for generations.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B 🗳️
The authors conclusion is that we can safely proceed with the harvesting of peat. How do we know that, contrary to opponents claims, such harvesting will not threaten our water supply? Easy, according to the author: because in Ireland they have been harvesting peat for centuries and the water supply is not contaminated. Do you see whats going on here?
Its simple: The author is reasoning by analogyharvesting peat in this country will be safe because harvesting peat in Ireland is safe. Once you identified that the author argues by analogy, you should have been able to predict that the correct answer would tell you something about how Ireland and this country are similar.
And thats exactly what B. does, telling you that the ecology of peat harvesting areas in Ireland is identical to the ecology of wetlands in this country.

by [deleted] at March 9, 2025, 1:28 p.m.

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