Q19

[noah]

Re-posted from steven.k:

On question 19, I chose C because either J or L could be the one with Sunset, and only Sunset. I knew that they couldn't have Sunset in the same diagram (because that would go against the 2nd constraint,) but it is possible for Sunset to be the only one in either J or L's column.

The question never made it clear that we should pick an answer that refers to the same scenario...?

[noah]

This is a tricky question. (C) would be correct if the question read: "Which one of the following is a complete and accurate list of those students who could review only Sunset?"

But instead, we're dealing with which ones could be a complete and accurate list.

The difference hinges on the placement of the "could", with the actual question asking for a possible list, while the one I've written asks for all the possibilities.

Does that clear it up?

Maybe it's obvious to you, but can you figure out another possible answer to this question?

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

steven.kantowitz wrote:

On question 19, I chose C because either J or L could be the one with Sunset, and only Sunset. I knew that they couldn't have Sunset in the same diagram (because that would go against the 2nd constraint,) but it is possible for Sunset to be the only one in either J or L's columb.

The question never made it clear that we should pick an answer that refers to the same scenario...?

Really, really, good question...

You've picked up on something that most people don't notice.

What's the difference in the following two questions?

1. Which one of the following could be an accurate and complete list of the students who review only Sunset?

2. Which one of the following is an accurate and complete list of the students who could review only Sunset?

The difference is so subtle. I usually look for the words "could be." If they appear before the words "complete and accurate," as in the 1st example, then you're to limit yourself to a single hypothetical.

In this case J and L cannot both review Sunset at the same time and the question requires us to utilize a single hypothetical. So while J and L could review only Sunset, they couldn't at the same time and answer choice (C) cannot be true.

If the words "could be" come after the words "complete and accurate," which is the case in the 2nd example, then you can use any and all hypotheticals. If this were how the question had been phrased, then answer choice (C) would have been correct.

I really hope you find this useful later on down the road, because the LSAT writers use both forms regularly trying trip students up! Good luck...

[andrea.feuer]

Q 19 - placement of could be and ONE hypothetical situation
I watched the recording and understand why it cannot be C but I don't think it can be A either. If it is A and we say that Lopez is the only one that reviews Sunset, we know that anything that Lopez reviews will also be reviewed by Megregian. Right? So Lopez technically is not the only one to review Sunset. The better option would be only Jiang?

[noah]

But the question isn't asking for who is the only one to review S, just who are the ones who only review S. Others could review S (and as you point out, if L reviews S, M has to as well), as long as they don't only review S. M has to review 2 plays, so there is no danger in M reviewing only 1 play.

See the difference?

[raymondcezar]

This was a pretty tricky question. I initially chose the wrong answer. However, after reading the posts here, it clicked. So the reason why A is the correct answer is that the question is only asking about the students who review ONLY 1 play, specifically, only Sunset. Now, we have 2 possibilities: J or L. Since a J is not listed as an answer choice by itself, L is the correct choice. Hope this helps!