That longterm cigarette smoking can lead to health problems including cancer and lung disease is a scientifically wel...
Julie-VJuly 29, 2019
(A) and (B)
Hi LSAT Max,
I was able to choose (E), but I almost chose (B).
Is (B) incorrect because the stimulus is not assuming that ALL cavities are caused by eating candy?
Also, the wording of (A) was a little confusing so I would love to get a breakdown for that incorrect answer choice.
Thanks!
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The issue with answer choice B is that it is the reverse of what is being claimed in the passage.
Answer choice B states that the passage assumes that "everyone who gets cavities does so only as a result of eating too much candy." Remember that 'only' introduces a necessary condition.
Cavity - > eat too much candy Don't eat too much candy - > no cavity
In comparison, the passage states that "excessive consumption of candy undeniably leads to such health problems as tooth decay." In other words, if you eat too much candy, you will get a cavity.
Eat too much candy - > cavity No cavity - > didn't eat too much candy
Answer choice A is incorrect because whether or not the connection between eating candy and tooth decay is as scientifically well-established as the connection between cigarette smoking and other health problems does not impact the argument's ability to draw an effective analogy between the two.
Additionally, the use of the word 'undeniable' suggests that the connection between eating excessive amounts of candy and tooth decay is a well-established fact that cannot be refuted.
Hope this is helpful! Please let us know if you have any further questions.
dannyodFebruary 22, 2020
I still don't understand why A is incorrect. The argument is established from the premise that smoking is scientifically proven to cause cancer. This is different from a descriptive "undeniable" connection. Wouldn't failing to establish this connection between candy eating and tooth decay render the analogy illegitimate?
