Logical reasoning PrepTest 125 · Section 4 · Question 16

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
We can build housing on the Moon, but it's very expensive. As population increases, however, there will be more of an economic reason to move people to the Moon, so it'll almost certainly happen.

Answer Anticipation:
This is a very difficult question to spot the flaw in! However, there are two "hints" as to what the issue is. The first is that there's a relative premise—as the population increases, the economic incentive to make Moon housing will increase. The second is that the conclusion is very strong—these colonies will "almost certainly" be built. That's as close to 100% as you can get without hitting it.

As such, the argument jumps from a premise about the relative economic value of Moon colonies—it will grow—to a conclusion about the absolute value—it will grow large enough to make it worthwhile. That's a common flaw on the LSAT, and one that's generally a lot easier to spot when you know to look for it. We did, so let's find the answer reflecting it!

Answer Explanation:
This answer reflects Max's shift from discussing a growing economic incentive to put colonies on the Moon to a conclusion that the incentive will "almost certainly" be high enough to make it happen.

Key Takeaway:
Look for relative language in the premises. Especially when it's not a "normal" relative word (increase/decrease/more/less), it's easy to miss. You need to train yourself to spot it and highlight it.

Incorrect. The argument assumes that they will be built because of economic incentives, not because they're the only way to relieve the overcrowding.

Incorrect. This answer aligns with the conclusion, so it's not a possibility the argument overlooks. If the colonies will be built with or without economic incentive, then the conclusion that they'll almost certainly be built is looking pretty good.

Incorrect. Just because they're not a complete solution doesn't mean they're not a part of the solution.

Incorrect. Preference may not come into it, and even if a few people wanted to live on the Moon, the economic incentives still might not be there.