#3 - Local, Must Be True

[Dave Killoran]

Complete Question Explanation
(The complete setup for this game can be found here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=26553)

The correct answer choice is (A)

The question stem contains the unusual condition that majors G and H cannot be consecutive, creating a GH not-block. The key to the question is realizing that since G and H are majors, their placement will have a direct effect on the other two majors, F and J, who happen to be in a block configuration. Since the VFJ super-block can only be assigned to three positions—benches 1 and 2, benches 2 and 3, or benches 3 and 4—it makes sense to quickly examine the effect these placements have on G and H. If F and J are assigned to benches 1 and 2, this would force G and H to be consecutive, and if F and J are assigned to benches 3 and 4, this would also force G and H to be consecutive, so the VFJ super-block must be assigned to benches 2 and 3:

pt26_s98_g1_q3.png

Consequently answer choice (A) is proven correct.

Should you find yourself having difficulty with this question, it is interesting to note that the hypothetical produced in question #2 (where G and H were not consecutive) can be used to eliminate answer choices (B), (C), and (D), leaving just answer choices (A) and (E) to attack. This a great example of how using applicable prior work can get you out of difficulty.