LNAT - Law National Aptitude Formulating Persuasive Arguments Questions and Answers

Question 1

A city council member makes the following statement during a debate about a proposed new contemporary art museum: 'The committee advocating for this museum is composed of artists and academics who have no understanding of fiscal responsibility or the practical needs of our citizens.
We should not entertain proposals from such an out-of-touch group.' What is the primary flaw in the council member's reasoning?

Accepted Answer

It attacks the character of the proposal's supporters rather than the merits of the proposal itself.

Answer

It assumes that artists and academics are not concerned with the city's practical needs.

Answer

It fails to provide evidence that the proposed museum is not fiscally responsible.

Answer

It appeals to popular opinion rather than relying on factual data.

Question 2

Principle: 'A law should not be so broad that it criminalises behaviour that is generally considered innocent.' Which of the following scenarios describes a law that is most likely to be criticised for violating this principle?

Accepted Answer

A law intended to prevent loitering which makes it illegal for any person to stand still on a public pavement for more than one minute.

Answer

A law that increases the penalties for repeat offenders convicted of theft.

Answer

A law that requires all new buildings to meet stricter environmental standards.

Answer

A law that prohibits the sale of alcohol to individuals under the age of 21.

Question 3

Argument: 'To improve public safety, the city must install more CCTV cameras in the town square. Increased surveillance is a proven deterrent to street crime, as potential offenders are less likely to act if they know they are being watched.' Which of the following is a necessary assumption made in this argument?

Accepted Answer

Potential offenders are aware that the CCTV cameras are present and functioning.

Answer

The current level of street crime in the town square is unacceptably high.

Answer

The cost of installing and monitoring new CCTV cameras is affordable for the city.

Answer

CCTV footage is always admissible as evidence in court.

Question 4

A law firm is considering making its summer internship programme unpaid, arguing that the value of the experience and the professional connections interns make are a form of compensation in themselves. Which of the following statements, if true, would most weaken the firm's argument?

Accepted Answer

Unpaid internships disproportionately exclude talented students from lower-income backgrounds who cannot afford to work for free.

Answer

Many other prestigious law firms in the city continue to offer paid internships.

Answer

A recent survey shows that the majority of interns value practical experience over monetary compensation.

Answer

The firm has a track record of hiring a high percentage of its former interns as full-time associates.

Question 5

Read the following passage: 'The rise of 'fast fashion' has made clothing more affordable and accessible than ever before. *This democratisation of style allows individuals to participate in current trends regardless of their economic status.* However, this comes at a significant environmental cost, with increased textile waste and carbon emissions from production and transportation. Therefore, despite its apparent benefits for consumers, the fast fashion model is ultimately unsustainable.' What function does the second sentence perform in the argument?

Accepted Answer

It presents a counter-argument or opposing viewpoint that the author acknowledges.

Answer

It provides a specific example of the environmental costs.

Answer

It is the main conclusion of the entire passage.

Answer

It is a supporting premise for the author's main argument.

Question 6

Argument: 'Every document that was submitted late was rejected. This particular document was not submitted late. Therefore, this particular document was not rejected.' Which of the following exhibits the same flawed reasoning as the argument above?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who wins the lottery is happy. Susan did not win the lottery. Therefore, Susan is not happy.

Answer

All cars made by that brand are reliable. My car is reliable. Therefore, my car must be made by that brand.

Answer

All the paintings in the north gallery are from the 19th century. The sculpture is not in the north gallery. Therefore, the sculpture is not from the 19th century.

Answer

If you have a ticket, you can enter the concert. You do not have a ticket. Therefore, you cannot enter the concert.