Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: You can't say sugar doesn't cause diabetes, because sugar makes you gain weight, and gaining weight can give you diabetes.

Conclusion: It is incorrect to claim that a diet high in refined sugar is not a cause of adult-onset diabetes.

Reasoning: Refined sugar can lead to being overweight, and being overweight is a known factor that can lead to adult-onset diabetes.

Analysis: The structure of this argument is a transitive causal chain used to refute a denial. The author argues that A (sugar) can cause C (diabetes) because A causes B (overweight) and B causes C. To find the parallel, look for an argument that defends a causal link by introducing an intermediate step. The abstract pattern is: 'It is false that X does not cause Z, because X causes Y and Y causes Z.' Ensure the conclusion of the matching choice is also refuting a claim of 'no causal relationship.'

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

Unlock Full Passage

14.

The argument is most parallel, in its logical structure, to which one of the following?

Correct Answer
D
D matches the structure: “It is incorrect to say inferior motor oil cannot cause poorer mileage, since inferior oil can cause valve deterioration, and valve deterioration can lead to poorer mileage.” That is X → Z and Z → Y, so denying X → Y is inaccurate.
Upgrade Your Prep

Ready to go beyond free explanations?

LSAT Perfection is the #1 modern LSAT prep platform, trusted by thousands of students for comprehensive test strategies, advanced drilling, and full analytics on every PrepTest.

Detailed explanations for 59 PrepTests
Advanced drillset builder
Personalized analytics
Built-in Wrong Answer Journal
Explore Perfection Plus for full LSAT prep