LSAT Explanation PT 45, S1, Q8: Trust, which cannot be sustained in

LSAT Question Stem

If the statements above are true, then which one of the following must also be true? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage states that trust is essential for any long-lasting relationship, and it cannot be sustained without mutual respect. It also mentions that personal relationships, such as marriage or friendship, require natural affinity in addition to mutual respect. In other words, for a personal relationship to endure, it must have both mutual respect and natural affinity.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Must Be True (MBT) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that must be true based on the information provided in the passage.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) A friendship supported solely by trust and mutual respect will not be long-lasting.

This answer choice is correct because, as mentioned in the passage, personal relationships (including friendships) require both mutual respect and natural affinity. If a friendship is supported only by trust and mutual respect, it lacks the necessary natural affinity, and therefore, it will not be long-lasting.

b) In the context of any professional relationship, mutual respect presupposes trust.

This answer choice is incorrect because it reverses the relationship between trust and mutual respect. The passage states that trust cannot be sustained without mutual respect, not the other way around.

c) If a personal relationship is supported by mutual respect and affinity, it will last a long time.

This answer choice is incorrect because it makes a mistaken reversal. The passage states that mutual respect and affinity are necessary for a personal relationship to endure, but it doesn't guarantee that the relationship will last a long time. There could be other factors involved.

d) Personal relationships, such as marriage or friendship, are longer-lasting than professional relationships.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't provide any information comparing the longevity of personal relationships to professional relationships.

e) Basing a marriage on a natural affinity will ensure that it will endure.

This answer choice is incorrect because, although natural affinity is necessary for a personal relationship to endure, it is not the only requirement. The passage also states that mutual respect is necessary.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it is the only statement that must be true based on the information provided in the passage.