LSAT Explanation PT 24, S2, Q12: For years scientists have been scanning

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the search for extraterrestrial life and the lack of success in finding any evidence of it. The argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise: Scientists have been searching for extraterrestrial life for years.

Premise: They use sophisticated equipment, some costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

Premise: No evidence of extraterrestrial life has been found.

Conclusion: There is no reason to think that these scientists will be more successful in the future, and the dream of finding extraterrestrial life is destined to remain a dream.

Now, let's look at the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Main Conclusion question, which asks us to identify the main point of the argument.

Let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) There is no reason to believe that life exists on other planets.

- This answer choice is tempting, but it misinterprets the conclusion. The argument is about the lack of success in finding extraterrestrial life, not whether it exists or not.

b) The equipment that scientists employ is not as sophisticated as it should be.

- This answer choice is not even an idea within the argument. The author never suggests what should or ought to be the case regarding the equipment.

c) Scientists searching for extraterrestrial life will not find it.

- This answer choice accurately captures the main point of the argument, which is that scientists will not be successful in their search for extraterrestrial life in the future. This is the correct answer.

d) Only if scientists had already found evidence of life on other planets would continued search be justified.

- This answer choice is possibly an extrapolation from the argument but not contained in the argument. The author doesn't address the issue of whether such funding is justified.

e) We should not spend money on sophisticated equipment to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life.

- This answer choice is possibly an extrapolation from the argument but not contained in the argument. The author doesn't address the issue of whether we should (or should not) spend money on such scientific research equipment.

In conclusion, the correct answer to this Main Conclusion question is answer choice C: "Scientists searching for extraterrestrial life will not find it."