LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q2: The current theory about earthquakes holds

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses 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 B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the current theory about earthquakes, which suggests that they are caused by adjoining plates of rock sliding past each other. The argument points out a potential issue with this theory: it would be expected that overcoming the resistance between the plates should create enormous amounts of heat, but no increases in temperature unrelated to weather have been detected following earthquakes. This leads to the main conclusion that at least one thing remains mysterious about the current theory.

Now, let's look at the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Main Conclusion question, which means we need to identify the answer choice that most accurately expresses the main point of the argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) No increases in temperature have been detected following earthquakes.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it only states a premise that supports the main conclusion. It does not express the main point of the argument.

b) The current theory does not fully explain earthquake data.

- This answer choice is correct because it accurately captures the main conclusion of the argument. If at least one thing remains mysterious about the current theory, it means that the theory does not fully explain all of the available data.

c) No one will ever be sure what the true cause of earthquakes is.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it is too extreme. The passage does not claim that we will never know the true cause of earthquakes; it only points out a mystery in the current theory.

d) Earthquakes produce enormous amounts of heat that have so far gone undetected.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it is not supported by the passage. The passage only states that the current theory would expect heat to be produced, but it has not been detected.

e) Contrary to the current theory, earthquakes are not caused by adjoining plates of rock sliding past one another.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not directly contradict the current theory. It only points out a mystery in the current theory, not that the theory is entirely wrong.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it most accurately expresses the main point of the argument: the current theory does not fully explain earthquake data.