#18 - Local, Could Be True, Except

[Dave Killoran]

Complete Question Explanation
(The complete setup for this game can be found here: lsat/viewtopic.php?f=302&t=8539)

The correct answer choice is (A)

If J is presented ahead of S (J > S), then S cannot be presented first, leaving only F or H to be presented first:

Capture20.PNG

This information immediately indicates that answer choice (A) is correct. F is either presented first, or presented second immediately after H, and so G can never be presented immediately before F. Thus, answer choice (A) cannot be true and is the correct answer.

[studyhelp20]

Dear Power Score Staff,

Can I have some help with an explanation of the correct answer along with the incorrect answers? Thanks for the help.

Sincerely,
Brennan

[KelseyWoods]

Hi Brennan!

This question introduces a local rule so we need to create a local diagram adding this rule into our original rules. That puts S at the end of our chain. At this point, the only variable missing from our chain is G. We know from the first rule that G cannot go first. So there are only four options left for G: it can go between FH and LK, between LK and J, between J and S, or after S. You could diagram out each option below. These possibilities should help you see why answer choice (A) cannot happen (for G to be immediately before F, it would have to be first, which the first rule says cannot happen) and also why the incorrect answers are possible.

Screen Shot 2020-12-15 at 11.45.02 AM.png

Hope this helps!

Best,
Kelsey