Logical Reasoning · Main Conclusion

PrepTest 117 · Section 3 · Question 13

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

The main point is the claim everything else serves, even when the speaker also mentions the other side's evidence.

The basic logic

Find the speaker's judgment. Then sort the rest: background, the opponent's evidence (a Rival), and the speaker's reply. Use the 'because' test: the right top bun is the claim that the other sentences are there to support.

Tiny words that decide it

“despite”
“clearly”
“but”

Playground logic

Marcus says Kevin is putting his own comfort ahead of the class (top bun). The class's need is bottom bun, Kevin's chart is the Rival, and the climbing dome is Marcus's patty. Kevin, what's your point? Here it's Marcus's point that counts.

Step 2 · The kid story

The Far Field Vote

The class council is voting on moving recess to the big far field. Marcus stands on a chair. "Despite our class needing way more room to run around, Kevin keeps voting no. It's obvious: Kevin is putting his own comfort ahead of the whole class." Kevin holds up a chart he made with a T. rex drawn on it. "Walking to the far field takes ten minutes each way, so we'd actually get less playtime!" Marcus waves it off. "But the real point is that Kevin's favorite climbing dome is on the near playground." Priya leans over to Lulu. "So what is Marcus actually trying to prove?" Lulu circles one sentence on her clipboard. "That Kevin's being selfish. Everything else is there to back that up." Kevin quietly adds another dinosaur to his chart.

Step 3 · Try the model question

Marcus: Despite the class needing more room to play, Kevin keeps voting against moving recess to the far field. Clearly, Kevin is putting his own comfort ahead of the class. Kevin shows a chart claiming the walk would eat ten minutes and so cut playtime. But the key point is that Kevin's favorite climbing dome is on the near playground.

Which choice best states the point Marcus is trying to prove?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Case of the Shady Bench

In a pretend park-board hearing, a board member argues. "Despite the park's need for more seating, the director keeps blocking new benches. Clearly, she is putting her own interests first." The director's lawyer offers a study: new benches would crowd the walking path and drive visitors away. The board member continues. "But what matters is that the director's sister sells folding chairs." Mr. Whitfield, observing, turns to the judge. "Your Honor, before anyone weighs this, let's name the point. The board member's conclusion is that the director puts herself first. The seating need is background. The study is the other side. The sister is the support." The judge nods. "Thank you. Now we know what we are deciding."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 117, Section 3, Question 13 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Locate the sentence where the speaker gives a judgment. Then label every other sentence: background, opposing evidence, or the speaker's support. Run the 'because' test: does each supporting sentence answer why the judgment is true? Pick the choice that restates that judgment completely. Avoid choices that repeat background, restate the opponent's evidence, or add a stronger claim than the speaker made.