LSAT Question Stem

In which one of the following exchanges is the logical relationship between Jordan's and Terry's statements most similar to the logical relationship between their statements above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In the passage, Jordan presents a dilemma involving two options, both of which have negative consequences. Jordan argues that if a business invests in ecologically sound practices, its market share will decrease. However, if the business doesn't invest in these practices, it will pollute the environment and waste resources. This argument can be broken down into the following structure:

1. If a business invests in ecologically sound practices (A), its market share will decrease (B).

2. If a business doesn't invest in ecologically sound practices (~A), it pollutes the environment and wastes resources (C).

Terry then responds by presenting a condition under which one of the negative consequences mentioned by Jordan can be avoided. Terry argues that if consumers demand environmental responsibility from all businesses, no particular business will be especially hurt. This can be represented as:

3. If consumers demand environmental responsibility (D), then a business can invest in ecologically sound practices (A) without its market share decreasing (~B).

The question is asking us to find the answer choice that has a similar logical relationship between the two statements as in the passage. The correct answer is A.

Answer choice A:

Jordan: If it rains (A), our picnic plans will be thwarted (B). If it doesn't rain (~A), the garden will go another day without much-needed watering (C).

Terry: If we buy a hose (D), we can water the garden without it raining (~A and ~C).

In answer choice A, Jordan presents a similar dilemma with two options, both of which have negative consequences. Terry then responds by presenting a condition under which one of the negative consequences mentioned by Jordan can be avoided, just like in the passage. This is why answer choice A is the correct answer.

Answer choice E is incorrect because it doesn't follow the same logical structure as the passage. In answer choice E, Terry doesn't present a condition that avoids one of the negative consequences mentioned by Jordan. Instead, Terry denies that one of the actions will have a bad effect and accepts that an action with a harm may have to occur. This doesn't match the reasoning of Terry's response in the passage, making answer choice E incorrect.