PrepTest 141 · Section 2 · Question 4 (Principle)

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Principle (apply it)

The one idea it tests

A rule says: when certain conditions are all met, a certain result is likely. Find the case that meets every condition and draws the result with the same strength.

The basic logic

Break the rule into its trigger conditions and its result. Check each choice: are all conditions present? Does it conclude the same result, at the same strength (likely, not certain)? Watch for choices that use the rule backward or negate it.

Tiny words that decide it

“if”
“probably”
“and also”

Playground logic

Ms. Rivera's rule has two triggers: a guest judge scores the project, and that judge also has a connection to the student. Result: the score is probably too high. The right case needs both triggers and says 'probably.'

Step 2 · The kid story

Ms. Rivera's Fair Judge Rule

Before the science fair, Ms. Rivera writes a rule on the board: 'If a guest judge scores a project, and that judge also has a personal connection to the student, the score is probably too high.' Marcus raises his hand. 'So Kevin's volcano score is definitely too high, because Kevin's volcano is awesome?' 'No,' says Priya. 'Awesome is not one of the conditions.' Then Lulu checks her clipboard. 'Tommy's project was scored by a guest judge, Aunt Rosa. And Aunt Rosa is Tommy's aunt.' Ms. Rivera nods. 'Both conditions are met. So Tommy's score is probably too high.' Tommy hides a candy bar behind his poster board. 'Probably,' he says, 'is not definitely.' 'That,' says Ms. Rivera, 'is exactly what the rule says.'

Step 3 · Try the model question

Rule: If a guest judge scores a science fair project, and that judge also has a personal connection to the student, the project's score is probably too high.

Which verdict below fits the rule most closely?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Pie Contest Appeal

The county fair had a rule: if an outside taster picks the winning pie, and that taster also sells flour to the baker, the win is probably unfair. Mrs. Dunmore's peach pie won. Her rival's lawyer stood before Judge Halvorsen. 'Your Honor, the winner was picked by an outside taster, Mr. Pike. And Mr. Pike sells Mrs. Dunmore all her flour.' The judge checked the rule. 'Outside taster: yes. Business tie with the baker: yes. Then under the fair's own rule, the win is probably unfair.' Mrs. Dunmore's lawyer protested, 'Probably is not proof!' 'Correct,' said the judge. 'And the rule only promises probably.'

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 141, Section 2, Question 4 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Split the principle into its conditions and its result. Write them as a short checklist. Go through each choice and tick off the conditions: every one must be present, not just one. Then check the result: same direction and same strength. A rule that says 'likely' fits a 'probably' conclusion, not a 'definitely' one. Reject choices that drop a condition, use a different reason, or negate the rule to reach the opposite result.