Logical Reasoning · Strengthen EXCEPT

PrepTest 124 · Section 2 · Question 15

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

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Strengthen EXCEPT

The one idea it tests

Four choices give a reason someone would resist; one gives no reason at all.

The basic logic

The claim says a certain group is unlikely to do something even when it seems obviously sensible. Supporters supply motives to resist. The answer is the choice that offers no motive, or even makes the action easier.

Tiny words that decide it

“unlikely”
“even when”
“EXCEPT”
“supports”

Playground logic

The top bun: Kevin is unlikely to give away dinosaurs from his overflowing shelf, even though it's clearly too full. Supporters hand Kevin a reason to hold on. The odd one out just describes the room or makes giving easier.

Step 2 · The kid story

Kevin's Overflowing Shelf

Aunt Rosa looks at Kevin's shelf, which is sagging under one hundred and twelve plastic dinosaurs. "Kevin, this is too many. Let's give some away." Kevin clutches a stegosaurus. Lulu, clipboard ready, writes: Prediction: Kevin will not give any away. Then she lists reasons that back her up. Every dinosaur was a birthday present from Grandpa. Kevin is planning a giant museum display that needs a huge herd. Kids at school rank each other by the size of their dino collection. Kevin can't remember which ones are doubles, so he can't tell which are extras. Priya reads the list. "Those all help your prediction." Then Marcus adds, "Also, Kevin's room has blue curtains." Lulu stares at him. "That doesn't help anything, Marcus."

Step 3 · Try the model question

Kevin is unlikely to give away any dinosaurs from his shelf, even though the shelf is clearly far too full.

All of these would back up Lulu's prediction, except which one?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Stubborn Librarian

The town council claims Librarian Hobbs is unlikely to remove old books from her packed shelves. Mr. Whitfield calls witnesses to support the claim. One says the library's grant depends on total book count. Another says Hobbs promised the donors their books would stay. A third says she has no list showing which books are copies. Then an eager clerk adds, "Also, the library has a nice front porch." Mr. Whitfield sighs. "Your Honor, please strike that. The first three witnesses each gave a reason she would resist. A porch gives no reason at all." The judge nods. "Stricken. Lovely porch, though."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 124, Section 2, Question 15 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Restate the claim: who is unlikely to do what, despite good reason to do it? Then test each choice by asking, does this give that person a motive to resist, or make the action harder? Mark each one that does. The answer is the one choice that adds no motive to resist. Do not let a choice's odd topic fool you; judge only whether it adds a reason to resist.