LNAT Verbal Reasoning 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage describes two competing theories of punishment: retributivism and utilitarianism. Which correctly distinguishes them?
- Retributivism focuses on future deterrence; utilitarianism on past desert.
- Retributivism punishes based on moral desert; utilitarianism aims to maximize social benefit. (Correct answer)
- Retributivism requires rehabilitation; utilitarianism requires proportionality.
- Both theories prioritize victim compensation above all else.
Correct answer: Retributivism punishes based on moral desert; utilitarianism aims to maximize social benefit.
Retributivism holds punishment is deserved for past wrongdoing, while utilitarianism justifies punishment only if it produces net social good.
Question 2: Which is the best example of an 'ad hominem' fallacy?
- Dismissing a scientist's climate research because she has a criminal record. (Correct answer)
- Rejecting a theory because it lacks empirical evidence.
- Accepting an argument because an expert endorses it.
- Challenging an assumption underlying an argument.
Correct answer: Dismissing a scientist's climate research because she has a criminal record.
Ad hominem attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument's substance.
Question 3: A passage uses the phrase 'necessary and sufficient condition.' If X is a necessary condition for Y, which is true?
- Y can occur without X.
- X guarantees the occurrence of Y.
- Y cannot occur without X. (Correct answer)
- X and Y always occur together.
Correct answer: Y cannot occur without X.
A necessary condition must be present for the outcome to occur — without X, Y is impossible.
Question 4: Which sentence uses 'infer' correctly?
- The data infers that crime rates are falling.
- From the evidence, we can infer that the suspect had access to the building. (Correct answer)
- The judge inferred his ruling to the jury.
- The lawyer inferred that her client was innocent to the court.
Correct answer: From the evidence, we can infer that the suspect had access to the building.
'Infer' means to draw a conclusion from evidence — the reader or reasoner infers, not the source of the information.
Question 5: An author writes: 'Some critics argue X; however, this view fails to account for Y.' What is the author doing?
- Providing independent support for critics' view.
- Presenting a counterargument and then rejecting it. (Correct answer)
- Conceding the entire point to critics.
- Using circular reasoning to support their own position.
Correct answer: Presenting a counterargument and then rejecting it.
The author introduces an opposing view (critics argue X) and then provides a reason why that view is incomplete or wrong (fails to account for Y).
Question 6: A passage states that mandatory voting improves democratic legitimacy. Which assumption underlies this argument?
- Governments with mandatory voting always produce better policy outcomes.
- Higher voter turnout translates into more representative and legitimate election results. (Correct answer)
- Citizens who are forced to vote will make informed choices.
- Democratic legitimacy depends solely on economic prosperity.
Correct answer: Higher voter turnout translates into more representative and legitimate election results.
The argument assumes that broader participation through mandatory voting produces results that better reflect the population's will, enhancing legitimacy.
Question 7: Which correctly defines 'obiter dicta' in legal contexts?
- The binding legal principle established by a court's decision.
- Remarks made by a judge that are not essential to the decision and not legally binding. (Correct answer)
- The formal written judgment delivered by the court.
- A summary of the key facts of the case presented by counsel.
Correct answer: Remarks made by a judge that are not essential to the decision and not legally binding.
Obiter dicta are judicial comments made in passing that do not form part of the binding ratio decidendi of a case.
LNAT Verbal Reasoning 4
A passage describes two competing theories of punishment: retributivism and utilitarianism.
Which correctly distinguishes them?