Logical Reasoning · Main Conclusion

PrepTest 128 · Section 3 · Question 2

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

An argument piles up a property, then explains how it happens, then lands on a practical result. The landing spot is the boss.

The basic logic

Ask "so what?" after each sentence. The early claims and the how-it-works explanation are helpers. The sentence flagged by a result signal, saying where the thing cannot be used, is the top bun. Match an answer to that, not to a helper or to a bigger claim the author never made.

Tiny words that decide it

“because”
“as a result”
“cannot”

Playground logic

Kevin says the paper cups soak up lemonade, explains how the paper drinks it, and then lands on the point: those cups cannot be used for the big order where every drop counts. The soaking is the patty, and the "can't use them for the big order" part is the top bun.

Step 2 · The kid story

Kevin and the Thirsty Cups

Kevin runs the lemonade stand with Nadia, and today he has a speech. "Because these paper cups soak up some lemonade, they waste lemonade," he says. "When you pour, the paper drinks a little, the cup gets soggy, and the lemonade level drops. Like a dinosaur drinking from a lake!" Nadia waits. "And?" "And so," Kevin finishes, "we cannot use these cups for the big field day order, where we have to make every drop count." Lulu writes on her clipboard: Point = not for field day. Kevin adds, "Also, pineapple pizza is great." Lulu does not write that down. Priya laughs. "Kevin, that last part about field day was your whole point. Everything before it was just there to hold it up."

Step 3 · Try the model question

Because paper cups soak up some lemonade, they waste lemonade. When lemonade is poured in, the paper absorbs a bit, the cup gets soggy, and the level drops. As a result, paper cups cannot be used for the field day order, where saving every drop matters.

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

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Leaky Boot Hearing

Lawyer Dana Kim addresses the court. "Your Honor, because canvas boots let in some water, they get wet inside. When you step in a puddle, the canvas soaks it up, and your socks turn cold. As a result, canvas boots cannot be used for the winter hiking club, where dry feet are essential." Mr. Whitfield scratches his head. "So you're saying canvas is bad?" "No," says Ms. Kim. "I am saying exactly one thing: not for the hiking club. The rest is how I got there." The judge smiles. "Thank you, counselor. A clear point is a gift to this court." Mr. Whitfield writes "find the landing spot" on his notepad.

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 128, Section 3, Question 2 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Sort the sentences. Mark the opening claim and any how-it-works explanation as helpers. Look for the result signal and the sentence after it: that is the boss. Restate it in your own words before reading the choices. Pick the choice that matches it closely. Skip choices that only repeat a helper, that make a stronger claim, or that shift the focus to something the argument never concludes.