ParadoxDiff: Easy

Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Everyone knows the famous author Mark Twain, but hardly anyone realizes that the man behind the name, Samuel Clemens, was also a writer, even though they are the same person.

Reasoning: Even though Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens are the same person, there is a massive disparity in public awareness regarding their shared profession as writers.

Analysis: The conflict here is between the identity of the person and the public's knowledge of that person's attributes under different names. To resolve this, we need a reason why someone would know 'Twain' is a writer but not realize 'Clemens' is. Look for an answer that suggests people don't realize the two names refer to the same individual. It is a classic case of a secret identity where the public fails to connect the dots between the pseudonym and the real name.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

Unlock Full Passage

1.

Which one of the following, if true, would most effectively resolve the apparent paradox above?

Correct Answer
C
If most people do not know that Mark Twain is Samuel Clemens, then knowledge that “Mark Twain was a writer” would not translate into knowing that “Samuel Clemens was a writer.” That neatly explains why almost everyone knows the first fact while very few know the second.
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