LSAT Explanation PT 45, S1, Q22: When uncontrollable factors such as lack

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following claims follows logically from the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem presents a passage that discusses the chain of events that occur when uncontrollable factors, such as lack of rain, cause farmers' wheat crops to fail. The passage explains that when this happens, businesses and individuals that rely on the farming industry, such as fertilizer and seed dealers, truckers, mechanics, and fuel suppliers, lose business and profits. The question type for this problem is Must Be True (MBT), which means we need to find the answer choice that follows logically from the information in the passage.

To help make this concept more relatable, let's consider a simple example. Imagine a town where the main source of income is a factory that produces toys. If the factory has to shut down due to a power outage, not only do the factory workers lose income, but also the businesses that rely on the factory workers, such as the local grocery store, gas station, and restaurants, will also be affected. This example parallels the situation in the passage, where a lack of rain causes a chain of events that negatively impacts various businesses and individuals.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice suggests that if businesses that sell to farmers do not prosper, it is because farming itself is not prospering. However, this is not necessarily true, as there could be other reasons for these businesses to fail, such as poor management or other external factors. This choice reverses the relationship presented in the passage and is incorrect.

b) This answer choice states that if rainfall is below average, businesses that profit from farmers' purchases tend to lose money. While this may seem plausible, it is incorrect for a couple of reasons. First, the passage does not define how much of a lack of rain causes crop failure, and below-average rainfall might not necessarily cause crop failure. Second, the passage only states that certain businesses are unable to make a profit when farmers' crops fail, not all businesses that profit from farmers' purchases. This answer choice expands the scope of the passage and is incorrect.

c) This answer choice discusses the responsibility of farmers for the consequences of wheat crop failure when affected by lack of rain. The passage does not address responsibility, so this choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice suggests that a country's dependence on agriculture can lead to major economic crises. While the passage does imply that wheat crop failure can have far-reaching economic consequences, it does not specifically address the idea of a country's dependence on agriculture leading to major economic crises. This answer choice fails the Fact Test and is incorrect.

e) This answer choice states that the consequences of a drought are not restricted to the drought's impact on farm productivity. This choice follows logically from the passage, as it explains that a lack of rain (or drought) can cause crop failure, which in turn affects various businesses and individuals beyond the farming industry, such as truckers, mechanics, and fuel suppliers. This is the correct answer choice.

In conclusion, the correct answer to this LSAT problem is answer choice (e), which states that the consequences of a drought are not restricted to the drought's impact on farm productivity. This answer follows logically from the information provided in the passage.