Logical reasoning PrepTest 153 · Section 2 · Question 14

Incorrect. This isn't even part of the argument, so it certainly can't be its conclusion. If you picked this, it's time for another cup of coffee or a study break.

Incorrect. No, this is stronger than the conclusion in the stimulus, and doesn't match our anticipation of a paraphrase of the first sentence.

Incorrect. The stimulus never actually says this explicitly, though it's implied in the example. This is more like a necessary assumption than a conclusion.

Correct. Argument or Facts:

Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
The interpretation of fossils necessarily involves classification according to the models the paleontologists involved want to test. An example regarding bipedality and hominid/ape pelvises is given to illustrate the point: preconceived notions affect fossil interpretation. So, biologists are wrong to think that the fossil record provides direct evidence of the course of human evolution.

Strategy Overview:
The main point is the thing in any argument that receives support from everything else in the argument, while giving support to nothing else. Eliminate any statements that support any other statement in the stimulus, and what remains is the main point.

Answer Anticipation:
Examples tend to be premises, and that's the case here as well. Eliminate that. Now, the trickier bit: "fossils cannot be interpreted objectively" is a conclusion, because it's supported by the argument about preconceived models and the example about pelvises. However, it's not the main point, because it in turn supports the first sentence of the argument. The correct answer will paraphrase that first sentence, which is the main point.

Answer Explanation:
Perfect match for our anticipation. This may be a little hard to choose, because it may contradict what you consider true, but that's the point. You're looking for what the author wants you to think, not what's true.

Key Takeaway:
The LSAT loves to make you pick answer choices that run counter to your view of the real world. Just remember they do that on purpose. If you avoid a correct answer because it's unpalatable, you're letting LSAC win. If you missed this one, take your nifty bipedal pelvis for a quick stretch break and then practice some more Main Point questions.

Incorrect. This is the subsidiary, or intermediary, conclusion, and the biggest trap answer here. When seeking the main point, beware of conclusions that support other conclusions.