Logical Reasoning · Weaken

PrepTest 101 · Section 2 · Question 7

Phase 1 (your first ~400 questions): read the guidance, then answer. No clock.

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Weaken EXCEPT

The one idea it tests

Four answers show the thing being cut is not really a must; the one left over does not weaken and may even help.

The basic logic

The speaker says losing something would be unacceptable because it is a necessity. Weakeners show low use, low interest, few people who need it, or a shrinking need. The EXCEPT answer either does nothing or makes the need look bigger.

Tiny words that decide it

“EXCEPT”
“only”
“necessity”
“unacceptable”

Playground logic

Owen says dropping the band's only tuba is unacceptable because a low part is a must for the band. Frankie and Sharon pop the 'must' by showing the tuba is barely used or barely wanted. Kevin's fact pushes the other way: if the band cannot get low notes anywhere else, the tuba matters more.

Step 2 · The kid story

Save the Tuba

The school band planned to give away its only tuba. Owen made a sign: 'SAVE THE TUBA! We already have the fewest low instruments per player in the district, and low notes are a MUST!' Frankie wanted to argue the other side, of course. 'The tuba sits in the corner at most practices,' Frankie said. 'Nobody even opens the case.' Sharon added, 'And when Ms. Rivera tried a tuba solo night, she had to cancel it. Zero sign-ups. At the middle school, those nights fill up.' Frankie went on, 'Plus the new keyboard can play low notes now.' Then Kevin said, 'The middle school band won't lend us any of their low instruments.' Everyone turned to look at him. 'Kevin,' said Priya, 'that one helps Owen. If we can't get low notes anywhere else, the tuba matters more.'

Step 3 · Try the model question

Owen argues that giving away the band's only tuba would be unacceptable. The band already has the fewest low instruments per player of any band in the district, and low notes are a necessity for the band.

If true, every choice below would hurt Owen's argument EXCEPT:

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Last Left-Hander

A baseball club planned to release its only left-handed pitcher. His agent sued. 'Our league has more left-handed batters than any other,' she said, 'so a lefty pitcher is a necessity.' Mr. Whitfield, for the club, called witnesses. The coach said, 'He pitched in two games all season.' A scout said, 'Only a handful of our opponents' batters are lefties anymore.' A stats expert said, 'Our right-handers do just as well against lefties.' Then the agent called one more witness, a league official. 'No other club will trade a left-handed pitcher to this team.' The courtroom went quiet. The judge said, 'Mr. Whitfield, your witnesses chipped at the need. Hers built it back up.' Mr. Whitfield nodded. 'That one cuts the other way, Your Honor.'

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 101, Section 2, Question 7 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

This is an EXCEPT question, so four choices weaken and one does not. Find the top bun (losing the thing is unacceptable) and the key premise (the thing is a necessity). Pre-phrase how to weaken: show the need is small, the use is low, interest is missing, or the need is fading. Check each choice against that list. The answer is the one that leaves the need untouched or makes it look even bigger (a Saboteur to the weakening job). Do not pick a choice just because it sounds negative.