LNAT Verbal Reasoning 4

Question 1

A passage describes two competing theories of punishment: retributivism and utilitarianism. Which correctly distinguishes them?

Accepted Answer

Retributivism punishes based on moral desert; utilitarianism aims to maximize social benefit.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Dismissing a scientist's climate research because she has a criminal record.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Y cannot occur without X.

Answer

A necessary condition must be present for the outcome to occur — without X, Y is impossible.

Question 4

Which sentence uses 'infer' correctly?

Accepted Answer

From the evidence, we can infer that the suspect had access to the building.

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Presenting a counterargument and then rejecting it.

Answer

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).

LNAT Practice Test