Logical Reasoning · Main Conclusion

PrepTest 151 · 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

Question type

Main Conclusion

The one idea it tests

The conclusion sits in the middle: a 'normally' opener, a 'but' premise, then the claim, then extra support after it.

The basic logic

Background says what usually happens. A premise says this case doesn't fit that. The claim explains what really went on. Sentences after it are more patty, not the top bun.

Tiny words that decide it

“normally”
“but”
“evidently”

Playground logic

Kevin tells it out of order. Background: seeds are usually planted for food. Patty: three cups can't feed anyone. Top bun: Tommy is running a soil test. Then more patty: different soil in each cup, and daily measuring.

Step 2 · The kid story

Tommy's Three Cups

Kevin was explaining Tommy's windowsill to the class, as usual, too long. "So normally, people plant seeds to grow food. Like pineapples. Pineapple pizza needs pineapples. But Tommy only planted three tiny cups. That's way too little to feed anyone, even a small dinosaur. So clearly Tommy is testing which soil works best! Also each cup has a different soil. Also he measures them with a ruler every morning." Ms. Rivera asked, "Kevin, what's your point?" Kevin thought. "My point is Tommy is running a soil test." Priya nodded. "The rest is support. The 'normally' part is just setup." Lulu drew a burger with a tiny cup on top.

Step 3 · Try the model question

Normally, people plant seeds to grow food. But Tommy planted only three tiny cups, far too few to feed anyone. So Tommy is evidently testing which soil works best. Each cup holds a different soil, and he measures the sprouts every morning.

Which choice best states what the argument is trying to prove?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Case of the Tiny Bakery Batch

"Your Honor," said Mr. Whitfield, "normally, a baker bakes bread to sell it. But my client baked only four loaves, not enough to fill one shelf. So these loaves were clearly a recipe test. Each loaf used different flour, and she asked tasters to score every one." The judge leaned forward. "So your point is that the loaves were a test?" "Yes, Your Honor. The rest backs it up." "Then why start with what bakers normally do?" "Setup, Your Honor. Background bun." The judge smiled. "Clear burger, Mr. Whitfield."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 151, Section 2, Question 8 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Mark the 'normally' sentence as background and the 'but' sentence as a premise. Find the claim that explains the case, often signaled by a word like evidently. Then check whether the remaining sentences support it. Use the Why Test: the conclusion is the claim the others answer 'why?' for. Pick the choice that restates that claim, not a premise or the background.