Exam LSAT Section 1 Logical Reasoning topic 1 question 149 discussion

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

Question #: 149
Topic #: 1

[All LSAT Section 1 Logical Reasoning Questions]

A running track with a hard surface makes for greater running speed than a soft one, at least under dry conditions, because even though step length is shorter on ' a hard surface, the time the runner's foot remains in contact with the running ^surface is less with a hard surface.
Which one of the following, if true, is evidence that the explanation given above is only a partial one?

A. Dry running conditions can be guaranteed for indoor track races only.
B. In general, taller runners have greater average step length than shorter runners do.
C. Hard tracks enhance a runner's speed by making it easter for the runner to maintain a posture that minimizes wind resistance.
D. The tracks at which the world's fastest running times have been recorded are located well above sea level, where the air is relatively thin.
E. To remain in top condition, a soft track surface requires different maintenance procedures than does a hard one.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C 🗳️
This question stem requires some translation. Were looking for something that, if true, would show that the authors explanation is only a partial one. So were looking for a weakener of the explanation: something that points to another factor. Another way of thinking about this question is to recognize that the stem is telling you that the author is arguing that X (and only X) causes Y. You need to look for the answer choice that says Z also causes Y. The authors conclusion is that hard tracks are faster; the author says this is because the runners foot is in contact with a hard surface for a shorter period of time. The correct answer choice will therefore give you another reason why hard tracks are faster. And thats what C. does. It tells you that hard tracks also make it possible for runners to minimize the effect of wind resistance, again making their times faster. IfC.is true, then the authors explanation of why hard tracks are fast is only a partial explanation, so C. is correct.

by [deleted] at March 9, 2025, 1:29 p.m.

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