LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following arguments employs reasoning most similar to that employed by the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This is a Parallel Reasoning question, which means we need to find the answer choice that employs reasoning most similar to that employed by the argument in the passage. The passage argues that even though a small car offers less protection in an accident, it is better to drive a small car because it is more maneuverable and therefore accidents will be less likely. The argument weighs opposing considerations (protection vs. maneuverability) and concludes that the pros (maneuverability) outweigh the cons (less protection).

Let's analyze each answer choice:

Answer choice (A): This choice discusses how an artist's fame can diminish their artistic reputations. However, it does not involve weighing opposing considerations to make a decision, so it does not parallel the reasoning in the passage.

Answer choice (B): This choice talks about the benefits of a child spending time reading indoors versus playing outside. While it does weigh opposing considerations, they do not speak to the same end goal (safety in the passage), so this choice does not parallel the reasoning in the passage.

Answer choice (C): This choice discusses the practicality of vehicles built with lightweight materials versus heavy materials. While it may seem attractive due to its similarity to the passage, the reasoning is focused on costliness and practicality rather than risk assessment. Therefore, it does not parallel the reasoning in the passage.

Answer choice (D): This choice argues for consuming sugar and fat in moderation. However, this is an argument for finding a happy medium, while the passage does not advocate for a mid-sized car. Thus, this choice does not parallel the reasoning in the passage.

Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. The argument states that exercising vigorously makes one more vulnerable if one catches a wasting illness, but it also decreases the risk of contracting such an illness. Therefore, the conclusion is that one should exercise vigorously. This represents the same type of risk assessment as that found in the passage, making it the most similar in reasoning.