LNAT MCQ 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage presents the view that all laws should be based solely on utility — producing the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This ethical framework is called:
- Kantian deontology
- Virtue ethics
- Utilitarianism (Correct answer)
- Social contract theory
Correct answer: Utilitarianism
The 'greatest happiness for the greatest number' is the defining principle of utilitarianism, associated with Bentham and Mill.
Question 2: In the following argument: 'We shouldn't listen to the senator's proposal on healthcare because he was once arrested.' The logical fallacy committed is:
- Straw man
- Ad hominem (abusive) (Correct answer)
- Red herring
- Begging the question
Correct answer: Ad hominem (abusive)
Attacking the person's character rather than engaging with their argument is an ad hominem fallacy.
Question 3: A passage argues that privacy is a fundamental right. The author would most likely OPPOSE which of the following?
- End-to-end encryption on messaging platforms
- Government mass surveillance programs (Correct answer)
- Stronger data protection laws
- Medical confidentiality rules
Correct answer: Government mass surveillance programs
Government mass surveillance directly undermines privacy, which the author treats as a fundamental right.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the purpose of LNAT Section B?
- To test knowledge of the English legal system
- To assess the candidate's ability to construct a reasoned written argument (Correct answer)
- To evaluate the candidate's memory of landmark cases
- To measure reading speed under time pressure
Correct answer: To assess the candidate's ability to construct a reasoned written argument
Section B requires one essay from a choice of topics to assess analytical writing and argumentation skills.
Question 5: A passage about contract law states that an agreement is only legally binding if there is offer, acceptance, and consideration. Which scenario would FAIL to meet these requirements?
- A buyer offers £500 for a bicycle and the seller accepts
- A friend promises to give another friend a gift with no expectation of anything in return (Correct answer)
- A company offers a job and the applicant accepts the terms
- A tenant agrees to pay rent in exchange for accommodation
Correct answer: A friend promises to give another friend a gift with no expectation of anything in return
A gratuitous promise (gift with no exchange) lacks consideration, which is required for a legally binding contract.
Question 6: An LNAT passage presents three experts who all support the same policy. A critical reader should recognise that this:
- Conclusively proves the policy is correct
- Represents a consensus that cannot be questioned
- Reflects potential selection bias and does not rule out contrary expert opinion (Correct answer)
- Demonstrates the policy is popular with the public
Correct answer: Reflects potential selection bias and does not rule out contrary expert opinion
Presenting only experts who agree with a position is selection bias — experts with opposing views may exist but were not cited.
Question 7: A debater argues: 'My opponent wants to reform the welfare system. That means she wants poor people to starve.' This misrepresents the opponent's actual, more nuanced position. The fallacy is called:
- False dichotomy
- Straw man (Correct answer)
- Ad hominem
- Slippery slope
Correct answer: Straw man
The straw man fallacy involves misrepresenting an opponent's position to make it easier to attack.
LNAT MCQ 5
A passage presents the view that all laws should be based solely on utility — producing the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
This ethical framework is called: