Logical Reasoning · Main Conclusion

PrepTest 116 · Section 2 · Question 16

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

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Main Conclusion

The one idea it tests

When a speaker knocks down someone's view and then says 'hence', the point is often that two things can go together after all.

The basic logic

Find the opposing view the speaker is answering. Then find the speaker's reason for rejecting it: a key difference the other side missed. The top bun usually comes after the signal word near the end, and it says two positions are compatible. Do not pick the difference itself (a Helper) or the opposing view (a Rival).

Tiny words that decide it

“but”
“hence”
“also”
“can”

Playground logic

Sharon's burger: the rival view says movie night fans must oppose a fixed bedtime. Her patty: the two ask different questions. Her top bun: you can love movie night and still back a fixed bedtime.

Step 2 · The kid story

Movie Night vs. Bedtime

Frankie and Sharon were at it again. "If you love family movie night, you have to be against a fixed bedtime," said Frankie. "Both are about the family having a good time!" Sharon put down her popcorn. "That misses a big difference. Movie night asks, 'What would be fun for all of us tonight?' Bedtime asks, 'What keeps each kid rested for school?' Different questions." Frankie squinted. "So?" "So," said Sharon, "a person can love movie night and also support a fixed bedtime. No conflict." Kevin wandered in. "Can we watch a dinosaur movie? With pineapple pizza?" "It's 9:00," said Sharon. "Bedtime." Kevin pointed at her. "See? This is what Frankie was warning us about."

Step 3 · Try the model question

Sharon: Some kids say that anyone who loves family movie night should oppose a fixed bedtime, since both are about the family having fun. But that misses a difference. Movie night asks what would be fun for everyone tonight. Bedtime asks what keeps each kid rested. Hence, someone who loves movie night can also support a fixed bedtime.

What is the main point Sharon is making?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Garden Club and the Fence Rule

A garden club member was told to quit the club after she voted for a town fence-height rule. "Our club is about letting plants grow freely," argued the club's lawyer. "Supporting limits on fences betrays that!" Mr. Whitfield stood. "Your Honor, gardening asks, 'What do I want to grow in my yard?' The fence rule asks, 'What does the whole street need to see around corners?' Different questions. Hence, a person can love free gardening and still support a fence rule." The judge thought for a moment. "So she is not a traitor to tomatoes?" "She is not." "Then she stays in the club."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 116, Section 2, Question 16 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Find the view the speaker is pushing back against, and the difference the speaker says that view ignores. Then find the conclusion signal near the end. Ask: what is everything else here supporting? The Boss is usually a claim that two positions are compatible. Reject the opposing view, the speaker's supporting distinction, and anything stronger than 'can go together'.