WeakenDiff: Medium

Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: More people are using sunscreen than ever before, yet skin cancer rates are still going up, so the author thinks sunscreen doesn't actually work.

Conclusion: Using sunscreen is probably not an effective way for an individual to lower their risk of skin cancer.

Reasoning: Over the last quarter-century, skin cancer rates have risen even though the use of sunscreen has become much more common.

Analysis: This argument suffers from a classic failure to consider alternative explanations for a trend. It assumes that because the overall rate is up, the preventative measure is failing, ignoring the possibility that rates would be even higher without it. To weaken the argument, look for an answer that suggests other factors—like people spending more total time in the sun because they feel 'safe'—are responsible for the increase.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

Unlock Full Passage

5.

Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the argument?

Correct Answer
B
Skin cancer typically manifests late in life due to sunburns incurred when young. If that’s true, then today’s rising incidence reflects exposures from decades before sunscreen became widespread, so the trend doesn’t show that sunscreen fails to reduce risk.
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