LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the passage. It states that due to a recession in Country A, most magazines have experienced decreases in advertising revenue, threatening the survival of the most widely read magazines. However, more people in Country A are reading magazines than ever before, and there are more financially successful magazines than ever. This presents a paradox that we need to resolve.

The question type is Paradox, and we are asked to find the answer choice that helps resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information provided.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Most magazines reduce the amount they charge for advertisements during a recession.

While this answer choice explains why advertising revenue has decreased, it doesn't distinguish between the most widely read magazines and other magazines, which is necessary to resolve the paradox. If all magazines are reducing their advertisement charges, then it doesn't explain why some are struggling while others are financially successful.

b) The audience for a successful television show far exceeds the readership of even the most widely read magazine.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the paradox at hand, as it discusses television shows rather than magazines.

c) Advertising is the main source of revenue only for the most widely read magazines; other magazines rely on circulation for their revenue.

This answer choice provides a clear distinction between the most widely read magazines and other magazines, helping to resolve the paradox. The most widely read magazines rely on advertising revenue, which has decreased due to the recession, while other magazines rely on circulation for their revenue. This explains why the most widely read magazines are struggling, while other magazines are experiencing financial success.

d) Because of the recession, people in Country A have cut back on magazine subscriptions and are reading borrowed magazines.

This answer choice doesn't distinguish between the most widely read magazines and other magazines, and it also doesn't explain why there are more financially successful magazines than ever. If people are cutting back on magazine subscriptions, it should affect all magazines equally.

e) More of the new general interest magazines that were launched this year in Country A have survived than survived in previous years.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the paradox, as it doesn't explain the discrepancy between the struggling most widely read magazines and the financially successful magazines.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C. It provides a clear distinction between the most widely read magazines and other magazines, which helps resolve the paradox by explaining why the most widely read magazines are struggling due to decreased advertising revenue, while other magazines are experiencing financial success by relying on circulation for their revenue.