Logical Reasoning · Method of Argument

PrepTest 142 · Section 2 · Question 4

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

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Method of Argument

The one idea it tests

An argument can support doing something costly by showing that not doing it carries a risk too big to accept.

The basic logic

Find the top bun (what should be done) and then ask what job the evidence does. Here the evidence points to danger that would follow from inaction, which outweighs the admitted cost.

Tiny words that decide it

“despite”
“should”
“thus”
“could”

Playground logic

Ms. Rivera admits closing the monkey bars will disappoint everyone. Top bun: close them anyway. Patty: the bolts are loose, so leaving them open could hurt someone. The method is showing that skipping the action is too risky.

Step 2 · The kid story

The Wobbly Monkey Bars

Ms. Rivera made an announcement at recess. "I'm asking the principal to close the monkey bars." The whole class groaned. Kevin groaned loudest; the monkey bars were his dinosaur cave. "I know you'll miss them," said Ms. Rivera. "But the custodian checked them this morning. Four of the five bolts are loose, and the top bar wobbles when you touch it. If we keep them open, someone could fall and get badly hurt." Marcus said, "But recess will be boring!" Priya raised her juice box. "Boring is better than a broken arm." Lulu wrote on her clipboard: Cost of closing: grumpy kids. Cost of not closing: maybe injuries. "That's the whole argument," she said. "The risk wins."

Step 3 · Try the model question

Even though the class will be unhappy, the monkey bars should be closed. The custodian found that most of the bolts are loose and the top bar wobbles. Keeping the bars open might get somebody badly hurt.

Ms. Rivera supports her position mainly by offering evidence that

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Closed Bridge

The town council was sued for closing the old footbridge. "Shops on the far side lost customers!" said the plaintiff's lawyer. Mr. Whitfield rose for the council. "Your Honor, we admit the closing hurt business. But the inspector found cracks in three of the four support posts. A loaded bridge could give way." He held up the report. "We are not saying closing it was free. We are saying keeping it open was a risk no town should take." The judge read the report and set it down. "The cost is real, but the danger is greater. Ruling for the council."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 142, Section 2, Question 4 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Find the conclusion first: what does the author say should happen? Note any cost the author admits. Then ask what the evidence is doing. Is it proving a cost, proving a principle, attacking opponents, or showing a danger that follows if the action is not taken? Match the answer to the job the evidence actually does. Reject choices that describe evidence the argument never gives, like claims the action will fix the problem itself.