LNAT Addressing Counterarguments 4

Question 1

A passage argues that prison sentences should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. A counterargument warns: 'Lenient sentences fail to deter future crime.' What is the key flaw in this counterargument as stated?

Accepted Answer

It conflates rehabilitation-focused sentences with lenient sentences, which are not the same thing

Answer

A rehabilitation focus does not necessarily mean shorter or lighter sentences — conflating the two misrepresents the original claim.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most intellectually honest way to handle a counterargument that you cannot fully rebut?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge its strength, explain why the overall argument still holds on balance, and note the limits of your claim

Answer

Acknowledging unresolved tension and arguing the claim holds on balance is more credible than pretending the counterargument does not exist.

Question 3

An author argues that social housing reduces homelessness. A counterargument states: 'Finland tried this and it didn't eliminate homelessness entirely.' A strong rebuttal would:

Accepted Answer

Point out that significant reduction in homelessness is still a meaningful success even if elimination was not achieved

Answer

The counterargument sets an impossibly high bar (total elimination); a strong rebuttal shows significant improvement still counts as evidence for the policy.

Question 4

The phrase 'even if we grant that...' in a legal or LNAT argument typically signals:

Accepted Answer

A hypothetical concession designed to show the main claim holds even under the most favorable reading of the counterargument

Answer

This phrase introduces a hypothetical concession — even if the counterargument were true, the author argues their position still stands.

Question 5

A passage proposes taxing sugary drinks to reduce obesity. A counterargument argues: 'This is a regressive tax that disproportionately burdens low-income households.' Which response demonstrates the WEAKEST engagement with this counterargument?

Accepted Answer

Claim that poor people drink more sugary drinks and therefore deserve to pay more

Answer

This response demeans a group rather than engaging the distributional fairness concern, making it the weakest and most logically irrelevant reply.

LNAT - Law National Aptitude Test Practice Test

LNAT - Law National Aptitude Test Practice Test

LNAT Addressing Counterarguments 4