LSAT Explanation PT 31, S3, Q10: It is wrong to waste our

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the statements above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and break it down into simpler terms. The passage argues that wasting natural resources is wrong, and burning trash in incinerators is a significant waste of resources. Recycling trash, on the other hand, reduces the waste of resources. The passage concludes that building an incinerator will lead to less recycling and more waste, so the city should not build one.

Now, let's examine the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is an MBT (Must Be True) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that can be properly inferred from the statements in the passage.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) All of the city's trash that is not recycled goes into incinerators.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not provide enough information to conclude that all non-recycled trash goes into incinerators. It only states that less trash will be recycled if an incinerator is built.

b) By recycling more trash, the city can stop wasting resources entirely.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage only states that recycling reduces the waste of resources, not that it can completely eliminate waste. The word "entirely" is too strong and unsupported by the passage.

c) The most effective way to conserve resources is to recycle trash.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not provide information about other ways to conserve resources or compare recycling to other methods. We cannot infer that recycling is the most effective way to conserve resources.

d) If the city is to avoid wasting resources, huge amounts of trash cannot be burned in any city incinerator.

This answer choice is correct. The passage states that burning trash in incinerators is a significant waste of resources. So, if the city wants to avoid wasting resources, it should not burn huge amounts of trash in incinerators.

e) If the city does not burn trash, it will not waste resources.

This answer choice is incorrect because it assumes that not burning trash is the only way the city could waste resources. The passage does not provide enough information to support this claim.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D. It's important to carefully analyze the passage and consider each answer choice without immediately dismissing them. In this case, answer choice D can be properly inferred from the statements in the passage.