LSAT Explanation PT 23, S2, Q2: Veterinarian: A disease of purebred racehorses
LSAT Question Stem
The point of the veterinarian's response to the horse breeders is most accurately expressed by which one of the following?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Main Conclusion question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is B.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
First, let's analyze the passage. The veterinarian is responding to horse breeders who argue that horses with a specific genetic defect should not be bred due to the severe consequences of the disease it causes. The veterinarian disagrees, stating that the severity of the disease can be controlled by diet and medication, and that the defect produces horses of extreme beauty, which are in high demand in the horse show industry. The structure of the argument is as follows:
Premise: The disease can be controlled by diet and medication.
Premise: The defect produces horses of extreme beauty that are in high demand in the horse show industry.
Conclusion: The horse breeders are wrong in concluding that horses with this defect should not be bred.
The question type is Main Conclusion, which means we need to identify the answer choice that most accurately expresses the main point of the veterinarian's response.
Answer choice A: This choice focuses on racing, not breeding, which is the main issue in the passage. While the passage mentions that afflicted horses are prevented from racing, the veterinarian's conclusion is about breeding, not racing. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Answer choice B: This is the correct answer. The veterinarian's main point is that horse breeders are wrong in concluding that horses with the genetic defect should not be bred. This answer choice states that there should not be an absolute ban on breeding these horses, which is consistent with the veterinarian's conclusion. It does not necessarily mean breeding them all the time, but rather, it allows for a range of possibilities.
Answer choice C: This choice is not supported by the passage. The veterinarian does not discuss whether racehorses that are severely afflicted with the disease have been provided with the proper diet. The focus is on the potential to control the disease and the demand for beautiful horses, not on the treatment of severely afflicted horses.
Answer choice D: The passage never claims that the best way to produce racehorses of extreme beauty is to breed horses with the genetic defect. The veterinarian only states that the defect produces beautiful horses, which are in high demand in the horse show industry. This choice is too strong and not supported by the argument.
Answer choice E: This choice is too broad, as the passage is specifically about the genetic defect that causes the disease in question. The veterinarian does not discuss breeding racehorses with other diseases that can be controlled by diet and exercise. This choice goes beyond the scope of the passage.
In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it most accurately expresses the main point of the veterinarian's response to the horse breeders.