Inference - LSAT Logical Reasoning
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Most four-legged, domesticated animals are dogs. All dogs are pets. No pets are allowed inside of the school building. All domesticated animals on school property must be leashed. All domesticated animals are pets.
Which of the following cannot be true?
Most four-legged, domesticated animals are dogs. All dogs are pets. No pets are allowed inside of the school building. All domesticated animals on school property must be leashed. All domesticated animals are pets.
Which of the following cannot be true?
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The difficult in this questions lies simply in the complicated structure of the passage and the confusing phrasing of the possible answers. In the end, however, the answer is quite simple. No domesticated animals (dogs or otherwise) are allowed inside the school building, because all domesticated animals are pets, and no pets are allowed inside.
The difficult in this questions lies simply in the complicated structure of the passage and the confusing phrasing of the possible answers. In the end, however, the answer is quite simple. No domesticated animals (dogs or otherwise) are allowed inside the school building, because all domesticated animals are pets, and no pets are allowed inside.
Most successful professional football players began playing football as youths, though a significant number learned the sport later in life. No professional football player who ignored the advice of his coaches, however, has ever become successful.
If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?
Most successful professional football players began playing football as youths, though a significant number learned the sport later in life. No professional football player who ignored the advice of his coaches, however, has ever become successful.
If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?
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According to the second sentence of the passage, a necessary condition for being a successful professional football player is not ignoring the advice of coaches. So all of the successful professional football players mentioned in the passage's first sentence, including those who played the sport as youths, do not ignore the advice of coaches. That’ s what the correct answer states.
According to the second sentence of the passage, a necessary condition for being a successful professional football player is not ignoring the advice of coaches. So all of the successful professional football players mentioned in the passage's first sentence, including those who played the sport as youths, do not ignore the advice of coaches. That’ s what the correct answer states.
The number of yoga studios in urban areas has been growing at a rapid pace. Major distributors of yoga apparel have been reaping the benefits: there has been a 25% increase in sales for yoga retail from 2007 to 2014. In a recent study, 90% of consumers who bought yoga gear reported attending yoga classes at least twice a month.
Based on the information, which of the following is true?
The number of yoga studios in urban areas has been growing at a rapid pace. Major distributors of yoga apparel have been reaping the benefits: there has been a 25% increase in sales for yoga retail from 2007 to 2014. In a recent study, 90% of consumers who bought yoga gear reported attending yoga classes at least twice a month.
Based on the information, which of the following is true?
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The correct answer is:
There is a correlation between the increase in yoga studios and the increased sales of yoga apparel.
Given that the study indicated that 90% of yoga apparel consumers also attend yoga classes, there is in fact a correlation between the increase in yoga studios and the increase in the sale of yoga apparel.
The correct answer is:
There is a correlation between the increase in yoga studios and the increased sales of yoga apparel.
Given that the study indicated that 90% of yoga apparel consumers also attend yoga classes, there is in fact a correlation between the increase in yoga studios and the increase in the sale of yoga apparel.
A growing world population has caused growing concerns about increasing famine. The population in 2000 was 6 billion. Ten years later the population was 7 billion. There were also more people affected by famines in 2010 than in 2000. Furthermore, in each year from 2000 to 2010, when the world's population increased, so did the number of those affected by famine.
Based on the information given, which of the following is true?
A growing world population has caused growing concerns about increasing famine. The population in 2000 was 6 billion. Ten years later the population was 7 billion. There were also more people affected by famines in 2010 than in 2000. Furthermore, in each year from 2000 to 2010, when the world's population increased, so did the number of those affected by famine.
Based on the information given, which of the following is true?
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The number affected by famine always increases with the population. Therefore, if the population increased in 2005, then the number of those affected by famine also increased. If there was an increase in 2005, there must have been more people affected in that year than the previous year of 2004. The available information does not allow us to draw any of the other inferences. The number of those affected by famine could increase without a corresponding percentage of the population increase. Neither can we draw inferences about any particular year between 2000 and 2010.
The number affected by famine always increases with the population. Therefore, if the population increased in 2005, then the number of those affected by famine also increased. If there was an increase in 2005, there must have been more people affected in that year than the previous year of 2004. The available information does not allow us to draw any of the other inferences. The number of those affected by famine could increase without a corresponding percentage of the population increase. Neither can we draw inferences about any particular year between 2000 and 2010.
Most movie critics dislike Hollywood blockbusters. If someone dislikes Hollywood blockbusters they are a snob. Most people who are over the age of fifty dislike Hollywood blockbusters. Some people who dislike Hollywood blockbusters are huge fans of theater. If someone does not dislike Hollywood blockbusters they like large explosions.
Each of the following must be true EXCEPT:
Most movie critics dislike Hollywood blockbusters. If someone dislikes Hollywood blockbusters they are a snob. Most people who are over the age of fifty dislike Hollywood blockbusters. Some people who dislike Hollywood blockbusters are huge fans of theater. If someone does not dislike Hollywood blockbusters they like large explosions.
Each of the following must be true EXCEPT:
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We cannot assume that some movie critics are huge fans of theater because the only connection between both is two "some" statements. The rest of the answers must be true based on inferences we can make from the stimulus.
We cannot assume that some movie critics are huge fans of theater because the only connection between both is two "some" statements. The rest of the answers must be true based on inferences we can make from the stimulus.
Most dachshunds have legs less than four inches long. Most dachshunds have long faces. Some animals with long faces make great pets. If an animal has legs less than four inches long, then it will not be a fast runner. Some animals are friendly.
If the statements above are true, then which one of the following must be true?
Most dachshunds have legs less than four inches long. Most dachshunds have long faces. Some animals with long faces make great pets. If an animal has legs less than four inches long, then it will not be a fast runner. Some animals are friendly.
If the statements above are true, then which one of the following must be true?
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The answer is correct because there are overlapping "most" statements. From the stimulus, we can conclude that some animals with legs less than four inches long have long faces.
The answer is correct because there are overlapping "most" statements. From the stimulus, we can conclude that some animals with legs less than four inches long have long faces.
If a ruling party both reduces the unemployment rate and prevents major acts of terrorism, then the party’s rule will maintain power. A ruling party can still maintain power even if it does not maintain high levels of government spending. The current ruling party has not maintained high levels of government spending but has prevented major acts of terrorism.
If all the above statements are true, then which one of the following must be true?
If a ruling party both reduces the unemployment rate and prevents major acts of terrorism, then the party’s rule will maintain power. A ruling party can still maintain power even if it does not maintain high levels of government spending. The current ruling party has not maintained high levels of government spending but has prevented major acts of terrorism.
If all the above statements are true, then which one of the following must be true?
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Because the question is asking us what must be true, we are looking for an answer that is guaranteed to be correct under all situations. We do not know whether the current ruling party has reduced the unemployment rate and we do not know if the sufficient conditions for maintaining power have been met. We do however know that because the current ruling party has prevented major acts of terrorism, if they are able to reduce the unemployment rate, they will maintain power.
Because the question is asking us what must be true, we are looking for an answer that is guaranteed to be correct under all situations. We do not know whether the current ruling party has reduced the unemployment rate and we do not know if the sufficient conditions for maintaining power have been met. We do however know that because the current ruling party has prevented major acts of terrorism, if they are able to reduce the unemployment rate, they will maintain power.
All scientists are studious. Some people who are studious are rich. If someone is rich they are able to live comfortably. Most people who are studious have trouble focusing.
If the above statements are true, all of the following must be true, EXCEPT
All scientists are studious. Some people who are studious are rich. If someone is rich they are able to live comfortably. Most people who are studious have trouble focusing.
If the above statements are true, all of the following must be true, EXCEPT
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The correct answer follows from the stimulus. It is the only answer that does not have to be true.
The correct answer follows from the stimulus. It is the only answer that does not have to be true.
As a society, we have no excuse for the prevalence of chronic dehydration. The remedy is simply too obvious and accessible. Those who suffer from the condition seek doctors’ opinions and medications, suffer from unexplained dizziness and other symptoms, and are susceptible to sickness. To solve these problems and to increase energy and focus, these people need only to drink more water—either by itself or as a primary ingredient in other beverages.
The information above provides the most support for which of the following statements?
As a society, we have no excuse for the prevalence of chronic dehydration. The remedy is simply too obvious and accessible. Those who suffer from the condition seek doctors’ opinions and medications, suffer from unexplained dizziness and other symptoms, and are susceptible to sickness. To solve these problems and to increase energy and focus, these people need only to drink more water—either by itself or as a primary ingredient in other beverages.
The information above provides the most support for which of the following statements?
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The passage does not speak generally to the health benefits of water, the number of people affected by dehydration, or the impacts of dehydration. We can draw some conclusions, however, about the effects of drinking more water for those who are chronically dehydrated. Those who are chronically dehydrated will increase energy and focus by drinking more water.
The passage does not speak generally to the health benefits of water, the number of people affected by dehydration, or the impacts of dehydration. We can draw some conclusions, however, about the effects of drinking more water for those who are chronically dehydrated. Those who are chronically dehydrated will increase energy and focus by drinking more water.
Some of the college athletes playing football are also playing rugby, but none of them are playing soccer. Yet some of the soccer players are also playing rugby. For this reason, many coaches refer to rugby as the catch-all sport.
Which one of the following statements follows logically from the statements above?
Some of the college athletes playing football are also playing rugby, but none of them are playing soccer. Yet some of the soccer players are also playing rugby. For this reason, many coaches refer to rugby as the catch-all sport.
Which one of the following statements follows logically from the statements above?
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Only three assertions are made in the paragraph: 1) no players play both football and soccer; 2) some players play both football and rugby; 3) some players play both soccer and rugby. There must be, therefore, a subset of players who play both soccer and rugby but not football.
Only three assertions are made in the paragraph: 1) no players play both football and soccer; 2) some players play both football and rugby; 3) some players play both soccer and rugby. There must be, therefore, a subset of players who play both soccer and rugby but not football.
If the bookstore does not respond to modern trends, it will not stay in business. And if the bookstore does not offer electronic books in a popular format, it will not respond to modern trends. Furthermore, no electronic book format is popular unless it can be used on each of the top three e-book readers.
If the statements above are true, which one of the following must be true?
If the bookstore does not respond to modern trends, it will not stay in business. And if the bookstore does not offer electronic books in a popular format, it will not respond to modern trends. Furthermore, no electronic book format is popular unless it can be used on each of the top three e-book readers.
If the statements above are true, which one of the following must be true?
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The correct answer choice correctly notes that the bookstore will not stay in business unless it offers electronic books in a popular format as defined. Therefore, if the bookstore does stay in business, it must offer electronic books in such a format. The other answer choices employ incorrect information and/or probability reasoning unsupported by the argument. Remember: we do not know the conditions under which the bookstore will stay in business; we only know for certain what will cause the bookstore to not stay in business.
The correct answer choice correctly notes that the bookstore will not stay in business unless it offers electronic books in a popular format as defined. Therefore, if the bookstore does stay in business, it must offer electronic books in such a format. The other answer choices employ incorrect information and/or probability reasoning unsupported by the argument. Remember: we do not know the conditions under which the bookstore will stay in business; we only know for certain what will cause the bookstore to not stay in business.
Many of Franz Liszt’s piano compositions are in fact transcriptions of works originally written by other composers. Liszt often performed these transcriptions in his own widely-attended concerts. Because orchestral works were not as widely performed in the 19th century as they are today, Liszt’s transcriptions helped to popularize many of these works, such as Beethoven’s symphonies. The transcriptions themselves were uniformly both challenging and masterful. Some listeners even preferred the piano transcriptions to the original works.
Which one of the following statements is most strongly supported by the information above?
Many of Franz Liszt’s piano compositions are in fact transcriptions of works originally written by other composers. Liszt often performed these transcriptions in his own widely-attended concerts. Because orchestral works were not as widely performed in the 19th century as they are today, Liszt’s transcriptions helped to popularize many of these works, such as Beethoven’s symphonies. The transcriptions themselves were uniformly both challenging and masterful. Some listeners even preferred the piano transcriptions to the original works.
Which one of the following statements is most strongly supported by the information above?
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The correct answer choice is the only one that does not indulge in comparative analysis. We know that Liszt transcribed orchestral works, that many of these works became popular as a result, and that the transcriptions were challenging (and masterful). The incorrect answer choices all attempt, by the use of “more” or “most,” to compare popularity or other factors. Such comparisons go beyond the information provided in the passage.
The correct answer choice is the only one that does not indulge in comparative analysis. We know that Liszt transcribed orchestral works, that many of these works became popular as a result, and that the transcriptions were challenging (and masterful). The incorrect answer choices all attempt, by the use of “more” or “most,” to compare popularity or other factors. Such comparisons go beyond the information provided in the passage.
Every teacher expects their students to finish their homework. Any student that does not finish their homework gets detention. No student in detention is allowed to participate in school sporting events. All school sporting events take place on weekends.
Which of the following must be true?
Every teacher expects their students to finish their homework. Any student that does not finish their homework gets detention. No student in detention is allowed to participate in school sporting events. All school sporting events take place on weekends.
Which of the following must be true?
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This is the only answer the can truly be inferred from the information above. A student that does not complete their homework gets detention. Any student that gets detention cannot participate in sporting events, which take place on weekends.
This is the only answer the can truly be inferred from the information above. A student that does not complete their homework gets detention. Any student that gets detention cannot participate in sporting events, which take place on weekends.
It appears that warm temperatures tend to improve both productivity and attitudes. Empirical evidence supports the general assumption that outdoor temperatures affect the way people feel and, perhaps as a result, the amount they get done. These conclusions are drawn from a recent study which found that when temperatures increase at the beginning of spring people are more likely to smile, make more money than in the winter, greet strangers, and report that they are content with their lives.
Which of the following is most supported by the study?
It appears that warm temperatures tend to improve both productivity and attitudes. Empirical evidence supports the general assumption that outdoor temperatures affect the way people feel and, perhaps as a result, the amount they get done. These conclusions are drawn from a recent study which found that when temperatures increase at the beginning of spring people are more likely to smile, make more money than in the winter, greet strangers, and report that they are content with their lives.
Which of the following is most supported by the study?
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The study cited by the author does not directly support the author's conclusion. Instead, the study describes a few specific facts observed only at the beginning of the spring. The study supports the claim that people smile more often at the beginning of the spring than at other times, but it does not support broader claims about temperatures or seasons.
The study cited by the author does not directly support the author's conclusion. Instead, the study describes a few specific facts observed only at the beginning of the spring. The study supports the claim that people smile more often at the beginning of the spring than at other times, but it does not support broader claims about temperatures or seasons.
Light bulb manufacturers have recently been forced to recall certain models of their LED bulbs due to overheating. The bulbs reportedly heated to the point that they produced smoke and fire, damaging customers’ lamps, walls, carpets, and other furniture. But many of these accidents could have been avoided had customers merely practiced energy conservation and turned off the lights when not in use. Indeed, according to one consumer study, over 90% of property damage from light bulb overheating occurs when no one is in the room to see what is happening.
The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?
Light bulb manufacturers have recently been forced to recall certain models of their LED bulbs due to overheating. The bulbs reportedly heated to the point that they produced smoke and fire, damaging customers’ lamps, walls, carpets, and other furniture. But many of these accidents could have been avoided had customers merely practiced energy conservation and turned off the lights when not in use. Indeed, according to one consumer study, over 90% of property damage from light bulb overheating occurs when no one is in the room to see what is happening.
The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?
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The correct answer choice is basically a restatement of the second and third sentences of the passage. It is the only answer choice that does not make assumptions based on information not specifically given in the passage. It is unclear from the passage whether the recall could have been avoided or whether LED light bulbs generally are less safe than other light bulbs. Further, no clear conclusions can be drawn from the passage regarding the likelihood of an individual light bulb producing smoke and fire, or whether a customer has been practicing energy conservation.
The correct answer choice is basically a restatement of the second and third sentences of the passage. It is the only answer choice that does not make assumptions based on information not specifically given in the passage. It is unclear from the passage whether the recall could have been avoided or whether LED light bulbs generally are less safe than other light bulbs. Further, no clear conclusions can be drawn from the passage regarding the likelihood of an individual light bulb producing smoke and fire, or whether a customer has been practicing energy conservation.
If an artist is fully motivated to succeed, he or she will create inspirational works of art. However, a work of art cannot be inspirational unless it comes from the depths of the artist’s soul. When art is based upon the chief passions or desires of the artist, then – and only then – it comes from the depths of the artist’s soul.
If all of the above statements are true, which one of the following must also be true?
If an artist is fully motivated to succeed, he or she will create inspirational works of art. However, a work of art cannot be inspirational unless it comes from the depths of the artist’s soul. When art is based upon the chief passions or desires of the artist, then – and only then – it comes from the depths of the artist’s soul.
If all of the above statements are true, which one of the following must also be true?
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The correct answer choice is the only one that is logically sound. If the artist creates no art based upon chief passions or desires, the art does not come from the depths of the artist’s soul, and thus it cannot be inspirational. This, of course, means that the artist cannot be fully motivated to succeed, because if he or she were, the works of art would be inspirational. The incorrect answer choices mistake necessary conditions for sufficient conditions and thus are not logically sound.
The correct answer choice is the only one that is logically sound. If the artist creates no art based upon chief passions or desires, the art does not come from the depths of the artist’s soul, and thus it cannot be inspirational. This, of course, means that the artist cannot be fully motivated to succeed, because if he or she were, the works of art would be inspirational. The incorrect answer choices mistake necessary conditions for sufficient conditions and thus are not logically sound.
Most standardized tests can only be mastered by studying prior test administrations. Though studying the abstract principles and concepts likely to be tested can improve a student’s score, there is no substitute for actual, concrete problems to get inside the minds of the test-makers. Indeed, if one studies a sufficient amount of prior tests, one will find that the very same problems are often repeated with minimal alterations.
The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?
Most standardized tests can only be mastered by studying prior test administrations. Though studying the abstract principles and concepts likely to be tested can improve a student’s score, there is no substitute for actual, concrete problems to get inside the minds of the test-makers. Indeed, if one studies a sufficient amount of prior tests, one will find that the very same problems are often repeated with minimal alterations.
The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?
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Because the statements indicate that most (not all) standardized tests can be mastered by studying prior test administrations with actual concrete problems, at least some students will need to do so to master those tests. The other answer choices either go too far in their inferences or misstate the premises given.
Because the statements indicate that most (not all) standardized tests can be mastered by studying prior test administrations with actual concrete problems, at least some students will need to do so to master those tests. The other answer choices either go too far in their inferences or misstate the premises given.
Most fast food restaurants are inexpensive restaurants, and most fast food restaurants serve unhealthy food. Additionally, all restaurants that serve unhealthy food provide poor service. Most restaurants that provide poor service are disliked by the general public.
Assuming the statements above are true, which one of the following can be properly inferred?
Most fast food restaurants are inexpensive restaurants, and most fast food restaurants serve unhealthy food. Additionally, all restaurants that serve unhealthy food provide poor service. Most restaurants that provide poor service are disliked by the general public.
Assuming the statements above are true, which one of the following can be properly inferred?
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Because we know that most fast food restaurants are both inexpensive and serve unhealthy food, at least some of the restaurants fall into both categories. Since all restaurants that serve unhealthy food also provide poor service, it can be concluded that some restaurants are both inexpensive and provide poor service. The remaining answer choices, while they may be true, are not necessarily true, and thus are incorrect.
Because we know that most fast food restaurants are both inexpensive and serve unhealthy food, at least some of the restaurants fall into both categories. Since all restaurants that serve unhealthy food also provide poor service, it can be concluded that some restaurants are both inexpensive and provide poor service. The remaining answer choices, while they may be true, are not necessarily true, and thus are incorrect.
A football player cannot be an All-American without both superior athletic talent and an unusual work ethic. Most football players have an unusual work ethic. However, most people with superior athletic talent do not play football, but rather other sports such as basketball. Most basketball players with superior athletic talent do not have an unusual work ethic.
If the statements above are true, which one of the following statements must also be true?
A football player cannot be an All-American without both superior athletic talent and an unusual work ethic. Most football players have an unusual work ethic. However, most people with superior athletic talent do not play football, but rather other sports such as basketball. Most basketball players with superior athletic talent do not have an unusual work ethic.
If the statements above are true, which one of the following statements must also be true?
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The passage specifically states two necessary conditions for being an All-American in football: 1) superior athletic talent, and 2) an unusual work ethic. Because the passage notes that most basketball players who have (1) lack (2), it logically follows that most basketball players could not qualify as All-Americans in football, under the conditions stated. Note that the passage does not state the conditions sufficient to become an All-American football player; it merely states some necessary conditions. Nor does the passage tell us anything that would allow drawing a conclusion regarding “most football players” or “at least some All-American football players.”
The passage specifically states two necessary conditions for being an All-American in football: 1) superior athletic talent, and 2) an unusual work ethic. Because the passage notes that most basketball players who have (1) lack (2), it logically follows that most basketball players could not qualify as All-Americans in football, under the conditions stated. Note that the passage does not state the conditions sufficient to become an All-American football player; it merely states some necessary conditions. Nor does the passage tell us anything that would allow drawing a conclusion regarding “most football players” or “at least some All-American football players.”
Most students whose standardized test scores are high enough to warrant admission at a prestigious college also have a high grade point average. However, many students whose grade point average is high do not score high enough on standardized tests to warrant admission at a prestigious college. Some of these students, however, make up for the score deficiency by participating in extracurricular activities which the prestigious college values; colleges may accept slightly lower scores than normal if this is the case.
If the above statements are true, which one of the following statements must be true?
Most students whose standardized test scores are high enough to warrant admission at a prestigious college also have a high grade point average. However, many students whose grade point average is high do not score high enough on standardized tests to warrant admission at a prestigious college. Some of these students, however, make up for the score deficiency by participating in extracurricular activities which the prestigious college values; colleges may accept slightly lower scores than normal if this is the case.
If the above statements are true, which one of the following statements must be true?
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If most students with high standardized test scores also have a high GPA, it must be true that at least some students with a high GPA also have high standardized test scores. The remaining answer choices, while they may be true, do not have to be true based on the statements in the passage. The passage does not tell us if students with high standardized test scores participate in extracurriculars, nor do we learn anything about students with low GPAs.
If most students with high standardized test scores also have a high GPA, it must be true that at least some students with a high GPA also have high standardized test scores. The remaining answer choices, while they may be true, do not have to be true based on the statements in the passage. The passage does not tell us if students with high standardized test scores participate in extracurriculars, nor do we learn anything about students with low GPAs.