PrepTest 119

[lcid:3574] Prep Test 119 LSAT — Logical Reasoning — S3 Logical reasoning

Question prompt

Political scientist: The economies Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: B

The notes below walk through why it fits the stem and how to eliminate the rest.

Question Type

Principle Questions / Strengthen Questions

Answer choices

  1. A
    Any nation that alone Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    Incorrect. First, it's not established that Germany has an obligation to do (that's, arguably, what the conclusion states). Second, the conclusion isn't that other countries shouldn't help, but that Germany should, so this answer is incorrect in stating that they "ought to be the only" nation to help.
  2. B
    Any nation that alone Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B matches the stem
    Correct. Argument or Facts:
    Argument

    Valid or Flawed:
    Flawed

    Question Type:
    Strengthen (Principle)

    Stimulus Summary:
    Germany's the only country that can help several neighboring ones, so it should do so.

    Answer Anticipation:
    Strengthen (Principle) questions usually present a scenario before drawing a judgment in the conclusion. The correct answer connects the details of the premises to the judgment in the conclusion.

    Here, the judgment is that Germany "should" help their neighbors. Why? Because it can and it's the only neighboring country that can do so. The correct answer will connect these pieces:
    If a neighboring country can help another country and is the only country that can do so, it should help out.

    Answer Explanation:
    Germany is the only nation that can help the neighboring countries, so it fits the sufficient condition of this principle. And in doing so, this answer justifies the conclusion that Germany should help. This answer is therefore correct.

    Key Takeaway:
    Don't overcomplicated Strengthen (Principle) questions. Find the answer that justifies the judgment in the conclusion based on the supporting details in the premise(s).
  3. C
    Any nation that can Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited
    Incorrect. The stimulus states that Germany has the resources to help neighboring countries, but it doesn't note that it has resources to help "just a few" of them, so this answer doesn't apply.
  4. D
    Only nations that alone Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    Incorrect. This answer is a reversal of the principle underlying the argument. The stimulus is based on any country that is the sole country that can help doing so, not only those countries doing so. (This answer also doesn't say much—it essentially says only countries that can do something should do it; but if they're the only ones that can do it, then of course they're the only ones that could potentially do it.)
  5. E
    Only nations that can Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    Incorrect. Similar to (C), this answer is wrong because there's no indication that Germany can aid "just a few" other nations.

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