LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning in the argument is flawed because the argument 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. The argument's structure is as follows:

Premise: A gram of refined cane sugar contains the same number of calories as a gram of fructose, the natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion: A piece of candy made with a given amount of refined cane sugar is no higher in calories than a piece of fruit that contains an equal amount of fructose.

To make the information more accessible, let's use a simple example. Imagine you have two containers, one with 10 grams of refined cane sugar and another with 10 grams of fructose. According to the passage, both containers have the same number of calories. Now, if you were to make a piece of candy with the refined cane sugar and a piece of fruit with the fructose, the argument suggests that both would have the same number of calories.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Are there any other calorie-containing ingredients in candy or fruit that could affect the overall calorie count?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice discusses noncaloric nutrients, but the argument is focused on the number of calories. While it's true that fruit might have additional nutrients, this isn't relevant to the calorie comparison.

b) The argument doesn't presuppose that all candy is made with similar amounts of sugar. It specifically talks about a piece of candy made with a given amount of refined cane sugar, making this answer choice incorrect.

c) The argument doesn't confuse one kind of sugar with another. It clearly differentiates between refined cane sugar and fructose, making this answer choice incorrect.

d) The argument isn't circular, and it doesn't presuppose that fruit and candy have the same number of calories. It concludes that based on the premise about the calories in the sugars. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) This answer choice is correct. The argument overlooks the possibility that there might be other calorie-containing ingredients in candy or fruit that could affect the overall calorie count. The argument only compares the sugars but doesn't account for other factors that could contribute to the calorie count.

So, the correct answer is (e), as it points out the flaw in the argument by highlighting the possibility of other calorie-containing ingredients in both candy and fruit.