LSAT Explanation PT 33, S1, Q5: A recent national study of the

LSAT Question Stem

The main conclusion of the argument is that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Main Conclusion, which asks us to identify the main conclusion of the argument presented in the passage.

In the passage, the author presents several facts regarding the comparison between paper and plastic trash and their effects on the environment. The author states that plastic makes up a smaller portion of garbage than paper, and when measured by weight or volume, both have equal detrimental effects on the environment. Based on these facts, the author concludes that contrary to popular opinion, the use of plastics actually does less harm to the environment nationwide than the use of paper products.

Now let's analyze each answer choice:

Answer choice (A): This choice presents a supporting premise of the argument, which states that plastics constitute a smaller proportion of the nation's total trash than do paper products. However, this is not the main conclusion of the argument.

Answer choice (B): This choice also presents a supporting premise of the argument, which states that the ratio of weight to volume is the same for plastic trash as it is for paper trash. Again, this is not the main conclusion of the argument.

Answer choice (C): This choice presents the popular opinion that the author is trying to refute, which is that the use of paper products is considered less harmful to the environment than the use of products made from plastic. However, this popular opinion is not the main conclusion of the argument.

Answer choice (D): Although the author argues that the use of plastics is less harmful to the environment than the use of paper products, they do not explicitly call for a nationwide shift from paper to plastics. Therefore, this answer choice is not the main conclusion of the argument.

Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice, as it restates the main conclusion presented in the last sentence of the passage: at this time, more harm is being done to the environment nationwide by the use of paper than by the use of plastics.