June 1998 #15

Remember that the rule tells us that IF PAULO PLAYS TENNIS, then Kim plays tennis, Oliver ranking lower than Kim but higher than Paulo. In answer choice (D), P is not playing tennis, meaning that the specification that Oliver ranks lower than K is no longer necessary. Hope that helps clear things up! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Oh I see. So the ranking order is only valid if Paulo plays tennis. If he doesn't then Oliver can be ranked higher than Kim. I understand the sufficient and necessary reasoning now, but in the real world this wouldn't happen this way so it's confusing.

Agreed, but remember that the LSAT world is in no way like the real world!

if you aren't sure between D and E. Look at your rule if paulo plays than the order would be KOP which it isn't either way E would have been ruled out.

I think I'm confused about how "ranking" is used. It seems like it only corresponds to a higher number which wouldn't correlate to placement. Right?

@chris_va, Ranking is not related to matching a player to tennis or golf, but ranking determines the order from best to worst for each of the sports. Does this make sense? Let me know if you need further clarification.

Actually, no. I suspect the real answer must be the answer above the the LSAT world is no way like the real world. The moment Kim chooses to play tennis (and she can, be cause hers is only a necessary condition and we don't know what Paulo is doing, she becomes a "tennis player," not a golfer) and steps onto the court; she outranks Oliver, who has no choice but to play tennis.