- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 8917
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Sat Jul 01, 2017 10:31 am
#36705
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14600)
The correct answer choice is (C)
The author clearly believes that more scientific knowledge is needed to better regulate oil well drilling
and that, until more is known, the need for regulation will become apparent only after undesirable events
occur (lines 5-7).
Answer choice (A): This answer choice is essentially a Mistaken Negation. The author clearly believes
that international concern leads to regulatory reform, but does not believe that the lack of international
concern will preclude such reform. Also, the word “cynical” is too extreme to describe the author’s tone.
Answer choice (B): The passage does not suggest that the author is satisfied with current regulations or
that the author is concerned about an appropriate balance between resource collection and environmental
protection; in every example given, the author leans heavily toward environmental protection.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer choice. It correctly describes a pattern the author has
noted in the past and reflects the author’s apparent belief that the pattern may continue in the future. It
also captures the somewhat negative tone of the passage.
Answer choice (D): Though the author believes in the power of science, he or she does not seem
content with current research. Indeed, the author suggests various venues for future research rather than
discussing how existing research will change existing regulations. “Optimistic” is too positive.
Answer choice (E): This answer choice expresses much the same idea as answer choice (D), only with
the further limitation of scientific research as meaning “accurate geologic understanding.” It fails for the
same reasons.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14600)
The correct answer choice is (C)
The author clearly believes that more scientific knowledge is needed to better regulate oil well drilling
and that, until more is known, the need for regulation will become apparent only after undesirable events
occur (lines 5-7).
Answer choice (A): This answer choice is essentially a Mistaken Negation. The author clearly believes
that international concern leads to regulatory reform, but does not believe that the lack of international
concern will preclude such reform. Also, the word “cynical” is too extreme to describe the author’s tone.
Answer choice (B): The passage does not suggest that the author is satisfied with current regulations or
that the author is concerned about an appropriate balance between resource collection and environmental
protection; in every example given, the author leans heavily toward environmental protection.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer choice. It correctly describes a pattern the author has
noted in the past and reflects the author’s apparent belief that the pattern may continue in the future. It
also captures the somewhat negative tone of the passage.
Answer choice (D): Though the author believes in the power of science, he or she does not seem
content with current research. Indeed, the author suggests various venues for future research rather than
discussing how existing research will change existing regulations. “Optimistic” is too positive.
Answer choice (E): This answer choice expresses much the same idea as answer choice (D), only with
the further limitation of scientific research as meaning “accurate geologic understanding.” It fails for the
same reasons.