Hi BMZ,
This is a good example of how reading closely is tested so often by the LSAT. In this case, the phrase we flagged for you is NOT the same as the phrase you've identified in this problem. Let's look at both ideas:
An example of what I was referring to:
- A typical stem might be worded as: "Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?"
This is a classic Weaken question stem, and let's focus on the phrase, "Which one of the following, if true." Here, the "if true" right after the comma refers back to "the following," meaning the stem is telling you to accept the answer choices as true (as they are what "follow" the stem). That's very much what Second and Third Family questions do.
The Ozone problem you referred to:
- The stem in this question you asked about is: "Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the statements above, if they are true?"
Let's focus in on the "if they are true" section, which is separated from the "Which one of the following" portion. In this case, " if they are true" refers back to "the statements above," meaning you should accept the information in the stimulus as true. This is very different than our above example, and is also language indicative of the First and Fourth Families. In other words, the stem very specifically tells you to take a different part of the problem as true.
Don't be fooled by the LSAT makers into thinking that because phrases have a superficial similarity that they are identical; that's a trap they often set and prey upon.
Thanks!
