LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q3: Many people limit the intake of

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most logically completes the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the relationship between low-calorie, low-cholesterol diets, weight loss, and cholesterol levels in the blood. It states that when a person loses weight, their fat cells decrease in size but not in number, and as these fat cells decrease in size, they release cholesterol into the bloodstream. The argument structure is as follows:

Premise: Many people limit calorie and cholesterol intake to lose weight and reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Premise: When a person loses weight, their fat cells decrease in size but not in number.

Premise: As fat cells decrease in size, they release cholesterol into the bloodstream.

Conclusion: A person who goes on a low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet _______.

Now, let's discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Main Conclusion question, which asks us to identify the statement that most logically completes the argument.

Let's go through each answer choice in detail:

a) might at first have an increased level of cholesterol in his or her blood

This answer choice logically follows the premises provided in the passage. Since fat cells release cholesterol into the bloodstream as they decrease in size, it is reasonable to conclude that a person on a low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet might initially experience an increase in blood cholesterol levels. This is the correct answer.

b) will not lose weight any faster than will a person whose diet is high in calories

This answer choice is not supported by the premises in the passage, as the speed of weight loss is not discussed. We cannot make any conclusions about the rate of weight loss compared to other diets.

c) might lose more weight by going on a low-calorie, high-cholesterol diet than by going on the low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet

There is no evidence or comparison to a low-calorie, high-cholesterol diet in the passage. We cannot make any conclusions about the effectiveness of a low-calorie, high-cholesterol diet for weight loss based on the information provided.

d) will not decrease the size of his or her fat cells

This answer choice contradicts the evidence in the passage. The passage states that when a person loses weight, their fat cells decrease in size, so we cannot conclude that a person on a low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet will not decrease the size of their fat cells.

e) will both decrease the level of cholesterol in his or her blood and gain weight

This answer choice exaggerates the evidence in the passage. There is no indication that a person on a low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet will gain weight, and the passage suggests that blood cholesterol levels may initially increase, not decrease.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A: a person who goes on a low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet might at first have an increased level of cholesterol in his or her blood. This answer choice is the most logical completion of the argument based on the premises provided in the passage.