LSATwithJack - Real LSAT Questions

1. PT135, Section 1, Q1

In a recent study of more than 400 North American men and women whose previous heart attack put them at risk for a second heart attack, about half were told to switch to a “Mediterranean-type diet”—one rich in fish, vegetables, olive oil, and grains—while the other half were advised to eat a more traditional “Western” diet but to limit their fat intake. Those following the Mediterranean diet were significantly less likely than those in the other group to have a second heart attack. But the Mediterranean diet includes a fair amount of fat from fish and olive oil, so the research suggests that a diet may not have to be extremely low in fat in order to protect the heart.

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A. Research has shown that eliminating almost all fat from one’s diet can be effective in decreasing the likelihood of a second heart attack. B. Studies suggest that the kinds of oils in the fat included in the Mediterranean diet may protect the heart against potentially fatal disruptions of heart rhythms and other causes of heart attacks. C. The patients who consumed the Mediterranean diet enjoyed the food and continued to follow the diet after the experiment was concluded. D. Many people who have had heart attacks are advised by their cardiologists to begin an exercise regimen in addition to changing their diet. E. Some cardiologists believe that the protection afforded by the Mediterranean diet might be enhanced by drugs that lower blood-cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: B

The central flaw in this argument is that it lacks a causal linkage between the Mediterranean-type diet and the reduction in the likelihood of a heart attack. Specifically, there is no direct connection made within the argument that suggests the Mediterranean-type diet is causing this reduction. It cannot be logically concluded that diets do not need to be low in fat to protect the heart without demonstrating a causal connection between the Mediterranean-type diet and the chances of a heart attack. Thus, the argument’s conclusion cannot follow from the existing premises alone. (A) Option A describes the opposite of what this argument is looking to establish, as it indicates that removing almost all fat can help reduce the likelihood of a second heart attack. While this statement does not necessarily disprove what the argument is seeking to establish, it does not strengthen it. Therefore, (A) is incorrect. (B) Option B provides details on why the Mediterranean-type diet would help reduce the chances of heart attacks, and thus strengthens the argument. While it does not make the argument perfectly logical, it does bolster the connection between the Mediterranean-type diet and the likelihood of heart attacks. Therefore, (B) is correct. (C) Option C discusses how patients who consumed the Mediterranean-type diet continue to enjoy it; however, the enjoyment of the diet after completing the study has nothing to do with this argument and does not strengthen it. Therefore, (C) is incorrect. (D) Option D, similar to option C, discusses exercise, which is not relevant to the argument and does nothing to strengthen it. Therefore, (D) is incorrect. (E) Option E discusses the opinions of a group of cardiologists and how drugs may enhance the benefits of the Mediterranean-type diet. This is irrelevant to the argument and does not close the gap in reasoning. Therefore, (E) is incorrect.

2. PT135, Section 1, Q2

Florist: Some people like to have green carnations on St. Patrick’s Day. But flowers that are naturally green are extremely rare. Thus, it is very difficult for plant breeders to produce green carnations. Before St. Patrick’s Day, then, it is wise for florists to stock up on white carnations, which are fairly inexpensive and quite easy to dye green.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the overall conclusion of the florist’s argument?

A. It is a good idea for florists to stock up on white carnations before St. Patrick’s Day. B. Flowers that are naturally green are very rare. C. There are some people who like to have green carnations on St. Patrick’s Day. D. White carnations are fairly inexpensive and can easily be dyed green. E. It is very difficult to breed green carnations.

3. PT135, Section 1, Q4

Swimming pools should be fenced to protect children from drowning, but teaching children to swim is even more important. And there is a principle involved here that applies to childrearing generally. Thus, while we should restrict children’s access to the soft drinks and candies advertised on television shows directed towards children, it is even more important to teach them _______.

Which one of the following most logically completes the passage?

A. that television can be a good source of accurate information about many things B. that television advertisements are deceptive and misleading C. how to make nutritional choices that are conducive to their well-being D. the importance of physical activity to health and well-being E. how to creatively entertain themselves without watching television

4. PT135, Section 1, Q5

In its coverage of a controversy regarding a proposal to build a new freeway, a television news program showed interviews with several people who would be affected by the proposed freeway. Of the interviews shown, those conducted with people against the new freeway outnumbered those conducted with people for it two to one. The television program is therefore biased against the proposed freeway.

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. Most of the people who watched the program were aware of the freeway controversy beforehand. B. Most viewers of television news programs do not expect those programs to be completely free of bias. C. In the interviews, the people against the new freeway expressed their opinions with more emotion than the people for the freeway did. D. Before the program aired, over twice as many people were against building the freeway than were in favor of it. E. The business interests of the television station that produced the program would be harmed by the construction of a new freeway.

5. PT135, Section 1, Q8

The proportion of fat calories in the diets of people who read the nutrition labels on food products is significantly lower than it is in the diets of people who do not read nutrition labels. This shows that reading these labels promotes healthful dietary behavior.

The reasoning in the argument above is flawed in that the argument

A. illicitly infers a cause from a correlation B. relies on a sample that is unlikely to be representative of the group as a whole C. confuses a condition that is necessary for a phenomenon to occur with a condition that is sufficient for that phenomenon to occur D. takes for granted that there are only two possible alternative explanations of a phenomenon E. draws a conclusion about the intentions of a group of people based solely on data about the consequences of their behavior