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- Tue Jun 27, 2017 2:14 pm
#36437
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14469)
The correct answer choice is (D)
You must select a response that follows from the author’s main point and supporting arguments.
Without any specifi c reference present in the question stem, there is no need to attempt to prephrase
prior to reviewing the answer choices. Simply make sure that the answer choice you select is
supported by statements made in the passage that refl ect the author’s views (and not those of the
experts or critics). Given that the fourth paragraph contained a number of statements that refl ect the
author’s view, it is likely that at least part of the justifi cation for the correct answer will come from
the fourth paragraph.
Answer choice (A): The author suggested that disaster-prone communities need to create disaster
plans, but do not take that to mean that “only” disaster-prone communities are appropriate for such
plans.
Logically, this response is an illustration of a Mistaken Negation, because the author claims
“Disaster Prone
Disaster Plan,” and this response unjustifi ably concludes
“Disaster Prone Disaster Plan.”
Answer choice (B): In lines 47-50, the author states that “Historically, donors…have been most
likely to respond only in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.” This suggests that the author does
not agree with this answer choice. Furthermore, since the author makes it clear that he or she is
describing a new idea—something that is not even in effect at this point—there is no evidence to
support this answer choice at this time.
Answer choice (C): The author points out that donors already often supply a considerable amount of
immediate aid (line 26), so there is no direct support for this answer. The real issue is whether the aid is
targeted, and whether it is maintained long-term. You should not confuse the idea of maintaining longterm
aid with the idea of more aid, because it is quite possible that better targeting of aid could allow
more effective immediate and long-term relief without actually increasing the total amount of aid.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. One main concern of the passage is that
aid is untargeted and so often does not effectively address the needs of victims. The concept of
inappropriate management as expressed in this answer choice effectively captures that critique, and
lines 54-59 provide the best justifi cation for this choice.
Answer choice (E): Some test takers misinterpret the passage to suggest that short-term assistance
is inappropriate and long-term assistance is more helpful, which supports this incorrect choice.
However, particularly because the author explicitly states that dialogue between prepared
communities and donors can improve immediate responses (lines 54-57), the idea that short-term
assistance is unimportant is unsupported by, and in fact contrary to, the passage.
Furthermore, a commonsense understanding of the life-and-death nature of immediate disaster
response indicates that it is simply absurd to believe that well-planned immediate disaster-relief
is unhelpful. Unlike some Logical Reasoning stimuli, LSAT Reading Comprehension passages
typically do not take untenable positions. If you feel that a passage is making absurd claims, re-read
a bit and make sure that you are interpreting the passage correctly. The discussion in the second
paragraph illustrates that immediate relief needs to be more appropriately planned, not that such
relief should be eliminated.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14469)
The correct answer choice is (D)
You must select a response that follows from the author’s main point and supporting arguments.
Without any specifi c reference present in the question stem, there is no need to attempt to prephrase
prior to reviewing the answer choices. Simply make sure that the answer choice you select is
supported by statements made in the passage that refl ect the author’s views (and not those of the
experts or critics). Given that the fourth paragraph contained a number of statements that refl ect the
author’s view, it is likely that at least part of the justifi cation for the correct answer will come from
the fourth paragraph.
Answer choice (A): The author suggested that disaster-prone communities need to create disaster
plans, but do not take that to mean that “only” disaster-prone communities are appropriate for such
plans.
Logically, this response is an illustration of a Mistaken Negation, because the author claims
“Disaster Prone
Disaster Plan,” and this response unjustifi ably concludes“Disaster Prone
Disaster Plan.”Answer choice (B): In lines 47-50, the author states that “Historically, donors…have been most
likely to respond only in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.” This suggests that the author does
not agree with this answer choice. Furthermore, since the author makes it clear that he or she is
describing a new idea—something that is not even in effect at this point—there is no evidence to
support this answer choice at this time.
Answer choice (C): The author points out that donors already often supply a considerable amount of
immediate aid (line 26), so there is no direct support for this answer. The real issue is whether the aid is
targeted, and whether it is maintained long-term. You should not confuse the idea of maintaining longterm
aid with the idea of more aid, because it is quite possible that better targeting of aid could allow
more effective immediate and long-term relief without actually increasing the total amount of aid.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. One main concern of the passage is that
aid is untargeted and so often does not effectively address the needs of victims. The concept of
inappropriate management as expressed in this answer choice effectively captures that critique, and
lines 54-59 provide the best justifi cation for this choice.
Answer choice (E): Some test takers misinterpret the passage to suggest that short-term assistance
is inappropriate and long-term assistance is more helpful, which supports this incorrect choice.
However, particularly because the author explicitly states that dialogue between prepared
communities and donors can improve immediate responses (lines 54-57), the idea that short-term
assistance is unimportant is unsupported by, and in fact contrary to, the passage.
Furthermore, a commonsense understanding of the life-and-death nature of immediate disaster
response indicates that it is simply absurd to believe that well-planned immediate disaster-relief
is unhelpful. Unlike some Logical Reasoning stimuli, LSAT Reading Comprehension passages
typically do not take untenable positions. If you feel that a passage is making absurd claims, re-read
a bit and make sure that you are interpreting the passage correctly. The discussion in the second
paragraph illustrates that immediate relief needs to be more appropriately planned, not that such
relief should be eliminated.