LSAT 112 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q10

LR Question 10 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Cotrell is, at best, able to write magazine articles…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Cortell can’t write superior quality articles.

REASONING: Cortell must have plagiarized any superior quality articles he submitted.

ANALYSIS: This is a circular argument. It argues that Cortell can’t write superior quality articles because Cortell can’t write superior quality articles.

There’s no evidence that Cortell plagiarized.

___________

1. The argument didn’t ignore counterevidence. It did mention that Cortell produced superior articles, but explained them away by saying they were plagiarized.
2. Actually, the article looks at all articles produced by Cortell and concludes they are either of average quality or plagiarized.
3. CORRECT. This is another way of saying circular reasoning.
4. Name me one expert mentioned in the stimulus. This answer choice didn’t happen.
5. Actually, the stimulus infers limits on ability from a generalized pattern of not producing good work + (alleged) plagiarism.