PrepTest 137 · Section 2 · Question 4 (Paradox)

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Paradox (EXCEPT)

The one idea it tests

In an explain-the-difference EXCEPT question, the odd one out applies to both sides equally, so it cannot explain a gap between them.

The basic logic

One version of a product costs much more than a matching standard version. Four choices give a reason that touches only the pricier version. The answer is the choice that is true of both versions, or of neither, so it cannot explain the difference.

Tiny words that decide it

“EXCEPT”
“unlike”
“only”

Playground logic

The custom sundae costs almost twice a regular one of the same size. Any reason that hits only the custom sundae shakes hands with the gap. A reason that hits every sundae, like a hot-day rush, leaves the gap unexplained.

Step 2 · The kid story

The Build-Your-Own Mystery

The snack stand at the park sells two sundaes. The regular one is two dollars. The build-your-own sundae, the exact same size, is almost four. Marcus, the detective, is outraged. 'Robbery!' he declares. Priya calmly lists possible reasons. 'Maybe the build-your-own one comes in a special glitter cup that costs extra. Maybe they have to keep twelve topping bins cold all day, and a lot of it melts and gets thrown away. Maybe the stand still owes money on its fancy topping machine.' Marcus points at the long line. 'Or maybe it's because everyone wants sundaes on hot days!' Priya shakes her head. 'Everyone wants both kinds on hot days. That can't explain why one costs more than the other.'

Step 3 · Try the model question

At the park snack stand, a build-your-own sundae sells for nearly double the price of a regular sundae of the same size.

Suppose each choice below is true. Each one helps explain the price gap EXCEPT:

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Two Ticket Prices

A family sued a theme park. 'The front-row coaster ticket costs double the regular ticket for the same ride!' Mr. Whitfield explained, 'Your Honor, front-row riders get a photo package, a reserved line that needs extra staff, and a special seat that must be inspected daily.' The family's lawyer jumped up. 'But the park is crowded every summer!' The judge sighed. 'Crowds come for both tickets. That explains nothing about why one costs more. Mr. Whitfield's reasons apply to the front row only. Case dismissed.'

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 137, Section 2, Question 4 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Name the gap: one version costs more than a comparable standard version. For each choice, ask: does this add a cost or value only to the pricier version? If yes, it explains, so cross it out. The answer is the choice that applies to the whole category, or to both versions alike. Stay strict: a general demand fact cannot explain a difference between two kinds.