Logical Reasoning · Role of a Statement
PrepTest 128 · Section 2 · Question 8
Phase 1 (your first ~400 questions): read the guidance, then answer. No clock.
Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first
- “in fact”
- “nonetheless”
- “too much”
Playground logic
Frankie's top bun says Sharon blames the coach way too much. Before that, Frankie admits the coach does need to get better. That admission is not a patty for her top bun: it is a small gift to Sharon before the big disagreement.
Step 2 · The kid story
Frankie Gives an Inch
The soccer team lost again, and Sharon had a theory. "It's the coach. Our coach is the biggest reason we keep losing." Frankie crossed her arms. "Okay, I'll admit it. Our coach really does need to improve." Sharon looked shocked. "You agree with me?" "Only a little," said Frankie. "But you blame him way more than he deserves. You act like winning is only about coaching. Players practicing at home matters at least as much as anything the coach does." Lulu turned to a fresh page. "So Frankie gave Sharon one small point, then argued against her big point." Priya nodded. "The 'okay, I'll admit it' part is a concession. The Boss of Frankie's argument is that Sharon blames the coach too much."
Step 3 · Try the model question
Frankie: Sharon says our coach is the biggest reason the team keeps losing. Our coach really does need to improve. Still, Sharon blames the coach much more than is fair, because she treats winning as only about coaching, while practice at home matters at least as much.
What job does the claim that the coach needs to improve do in Frankie's argument?
Step 4 · The courtroom tale
The Leaky Roof Defense
A landlord blamed a tenant for a flooded apartment. The tenant's lawyer, Mr. Whitfield, stood up. "Your Honor, I grant that my client left one window open that night. That was careless." The landlord grinned. Mr. Whitfield went on. "Nonetheless, the landlord blames that window far more than it deserves. The roof has leaked for three years, and the inspector's report says the roof let in far more water than any window could." The judge nodded. "So you admit a small fault, and then argue the bigger fault lies elsewhere." "Exactly, Your Honor. A small yes, then a big no."
Step 5 · Work the real question
Open PrepTest 128, Section 2, Question 8 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.
Your answer
How to apply it
First find the main conclusion: usually what follows the pivot word. Then locate the statement in question and see which side of the pivot it sits on. Ask: does the arguer accept it? Does it support the main conclusion, or does it give a little ground to the opponent? If it admits something the opponent would like before the arguer turns against the opponent's main view, it is a concession.