Logical Reasoning · Strengthen

PrepTest 102 · Section 2 · Question 4

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

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Strengthen

The one idea it tests

Support a 'switch to the pricier option' recommendation by showing the cheaper option has a hidden cost.

The basic logic

The argument says: the current method only works when experts check, the new method lets anyone check, so switch despite the expense. The worry is the price. A strengthener shows the old method's need for experts carries its own big cost, which shrinks the price gap.

Tiny words that decide it

“should”
“instead of”
“despite”
“anyone”

Playground logic

Ms. Rivera wants the class to buy pricey color-change sticks instead of relying on the gardener (top bun), because anyone can read a stick (patty). The secret sauce is that the price is worth it. If calling in the gardener costs a lot too, the sticks look like a bargain.

Step 2 · The kid story

The Thirsty Bean Plants

The class bean plants kept wilting. Right now, only Mr. Okafor the gardener can tell, by poking the soil, whether a pot is too dry. He visits once a week, so dry pots stay dry for days. Ms. Rivera held up a little stick. 'These turn blue in wet soil and stay tan in dry soil. Anyone can read them, even Biscuit if he learns colors. They cost more than the free poke test, but we should switch.' Marcus said, 'Free beats paid. Case closed.' Priya opened her juice box. 'Is the poke test really free? We pay Mr. Okafor for every visit, and those visits add up.' Ms. Rivera smiled. 'Now the sticks sound cheap.'

Step 3 · Try the model question

Right now only the gardener can tell whether a pot is too dry, and dry pots often go unnoticed for days. Color-change sticks would let anyone see at a glance which pots are dry. So the class should switch to the sticks, even though they cost more.

Which choice, if true, gives the most help to Ms. Rivera's recommendation?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Bridge Bolt Hearing

The city wanted to replace plain bolts with glowing bolts that shine red when loose, so any passerby could spot trouble. Glowing bolts cost more. The opposing lawyer argued, 'Plain bolts are cheaper. Inspectors can find loose ones.' Mr. Whitfield called a witness, the city treasurer. 'How much do inspectors cost each year?' 'A fortune,' she said. 'Climbing gear, overtime, closed lanes.' Mr. Whitfield turned to the judge. 'So the cheap bolts are only cheap on the receipt. The glowing bolts are the bargain.' The judge approved the switch.

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 102, Section 2, Question 4 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Find the recommendation and the 'despite' clause; that clause tells you the argument's weak spot. Ask what would make the extra expense worth it, or make the old method less of a bargain. Prefer a choice that adds a cost or burden to the method being replaced, especially one tied to its reliance on specialists. Reject choices that are off topic, that add a drawback to the recommended method, or that merely describe history.