LSAT Logical Reasoning: Weaken the Argument Questions 3

Question 1

A historian argues that Nation X's economic growth in the 1990s was caused by free trade policies adopted in 1991, since growth accelerated immediately afterward. Which most weakens this argument?

Accepted Answer

Nation X also discovered large oil reserves in 1991, which could independently explain the growth.

Answer

An alternative cause—the oil discovery—emerging at the same time undermines the conclusion that free trade policies caused the growth.

Question 2

A politician argues that her city's new recycling program is working because the volume of landfill waste has decreased since its launch. Which most weakens this argument?

Accepted Answer

A major local factory closed six months before the program launched, significantly reducing industrial waste.

Answer

The factory closure provides an alternative explanation for the waste reduction that is independent of the recycling program.

Question 3

A coach argues that playing team sports builds leadership skills in teenagers because teens who play sports are more likely to hold leadership positions in school. Which most weakens this argument?

Accepted Answer

Teens who already possess leadership traits may be more likely to both join sports teams and pursue school leadership roles.

Answer

Pre-existing leadership traits could cause participation in both sports and school leadership, meaning sports does not develop those traits.

Question 4

A real estate developer argues that building a new shopping mall will revitalize a depressed neighborhood because shopping malls bring foot traffic and spending to surrounding areas. Which most weakens this argument?

Accepted Answer

Shopping malls are increasingly facing competition from online retailers, making new malls economically risky and likely to underperform.

Answer

If malls are economically unviable due to online competition, the expected foot traffic and spending that would revitalize the neighborhood may never materialize.

Question 5

A doctor argues that patients who maintain a positive attitude recover from surgery faster because studies show patients with positive attitudes have shorter hospital stays. Which most weakens this argument?

Accepted Answer

Patients who are physically healthier tend to both recover faster and maintain more positive attitudes, meaning health—not attitude—drives both outcomes.

Answer

Better underlying health is a confounding variable that independently causes both faster recovery and a more positive outlook.

LSAT - Law School Admission Test Practice Test

LSAT - Law School Admission Test Practice Test

LSAT Logical Reasoning: Weaken the Argument Questions 3