Logical Reasoning · Paradox

PrepTest 116 · Section 2 · Question 3

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

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Paradox (Resolve the Discrepancy)

The one idea it tests

Same setup, opposite results: find the difference between then and now that lets both results be true.

The basic logic

The passage says an arrangement used to fail for two groups in two different ways, and now succeeds for both. Look for a change in how the arrangement is run that fixes the problems for both groups at once.

Tiny words that decide it

“in the past”
“recently”
“however”
“both”

Playground logic

Grandpa's story has two facts that seem to fight: putting Biscuit and Mr. Whiskers in the backyard together used to be a disaster for both, and now it works great for both. The Handshake answer is a change in how the yard is set up that fixes things for the dog AND the cat, so both facts can shake hands.

Step 2 · The kid story

The Backyard Peace Treaty

Last summer, Grandpa tried letting Biscuit and Mr. Whiskers share the backyard. It was a disaster. Mr. Whiskers spent all day hiding under the porch, scared and hungry. Biscuit got bored and barked at the fence. This summer, Grandpa tried again. Now Mr. Whiskers suns himself happily, and Biscuit trots around with a wagging tail. Tommy was confused. "Same yard, same pets. How did it flip?" Priya pointed. "Look what Grandpa built: a tall cat shelf along the fence with a food bowl on top, and a digging pit on the ground for Biscuit. Each one has their own spot." Lulu wrote: Old setup = trouble for both. New setup = a fix for both. "A good answer," she said, "has to help the cat AND the dog."

Step 3 · Try the model question

In past summers, letting the family dog and cat share the backyard went badly: the cat hid under the porch, scared and underfed, while the dog grew bored and barked. This summer, however, the shared backyard works well: the cat relaxes in the sun, and the dog is cheerful and calm.

Suppose each choice below is accurate. Which one best clears up the puzzle above?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Case of the Shared Bus Seats

Judge Moreno heard a complaint about a city bus route. A witness explained: "Years ago, the route that carried both commuters and tourists was a mess. Tourists got lost, and commuters got annoyed by slow stops. Now the same route runs smoothly for both groups." Mr. Whitfield scratched his head. "Your Honor, this makes no sense. Same bus, opposite results!" The bus manager testified: "We added an express lane for commuters and a guide screen that announces landmarks for tourists." The judge smiled. "There is your answer, Counselor. A change that fixes the problem for both groups lets both stories be true." Mr. Whitfield nodded. "A handshake, Your Honor."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 116, Section 2, Question 3 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

State the two clashing facts: the arrangement failed before and succeeds now. Note that the old failure hurt two groups in two different ways. Then hunt for a choice that names a real difference between then and now which would fix the problem for both groups. Reject choices that would make things worse, that help only one group, that describe something unchanged, or that are simply unrelated to how the arrangement works.