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- Sat Jul 01, 2017 10:27 am
#36703
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14600)
The correct answer choice is (E)
The characteristics of underground oil reservoirs are primarily discussed in paragraph two and this is
where test takers should look to find the answer to this question. In the second paragraph, the author
states that underground oil reservoirs are found in porous, permeable formations similar to areas where
groundwater is found, but generally at greater depths. Readers also learn that environments conducive to
oil reservoirs also favor unpotable saline water reservoirs.
Answer choice (A): While the passage does mention at least one instance of an underground oil reservoir
whose subsurface geology was poorly understood, it does not suggest that this is generally true. The
passage’s preoccupation with insufficient knowledge cannot be properly applied to this answer choice.
Answer choice (B): Again, we see the test makers return to the final example mentioned in the passage,
but there is no indication as to how common coastal oil reservoirs may be.
Answer choice (C): This answer choice begins well (“geologic formations similar to those”) but then
plays a Shell Game by introducing a new element (gas) that was never discussed in the passage.
Answer choice (D): While the passage does state that the oil industry is concerned about this form of
contamination, it cannot be known how often this may occur and whether such concerns are valid.
Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. It is a direct paraphrase of the opening sentence
of paragraph two (lines 27-28).
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14600)
The correct answer choice is (E)
The characteristics of underground oil reservoirs are primarily discussed in paragraph two and this is
where test takers should look to find the answer to this question. In the second paragraph, the author
states that underground oil reservoirs are found in porous, permeable formations similar to areas where
groundwater is found, but generally at greater depths. Readers also learn that environments conducive to
oil reservoirs also favor unpotable saline water reservoirs.
Answer choice (A): While the passage does mention at least one instance of an underground oil reservoir
whose subsurface geology was poorly understood, it does not suggest that this is generally true. The
passage’s preoccupation with insufficient knowledge cannot be properly applied to this answer choice.
Answer choice (B): Again, we see the test makers return to the final example mentioned in the passage,
but there is no indication as to how common coastal oil reservoirs may be.
Answer choice (C): This answer choice begins well (“geologic formations similar to those”) but then
plays a Shell Game by introducing a new element (gas) that was never discussed in the passage.
Answer choice (D): While the passage does state that the oil industry is concerned about this form of
contamination, it cannot be known how often this may occur and whether such concerns are valid.
Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. It is a direct paraphrase of the opening sentence
of paragraph two (lines 27-28).