7. The author's primary point is found in the second sentence, and described in choice (C). Note that the final sentence contains two examples of the possible threat.

(A) refers to the first sentence, but notice the paragraph's shift with "However" in the second sentence.

Choice (B) makes a comparison between use of lumber outdoors versus indoors, yet the Editorialist never mentions indoors.

(D) refers to an example in the third sentence.

For (E), the Editorialist makes no mention of past beliefs regarding the danger of treated lumber.

 

8. This LSAT weaken the argument question provides a method to see which regions a relic moved through. The argument assumes that pollen unique to a region remains only within that region. To weaken the argument, find a choice that states that pollen can travel outside its region, found in (A).

Before going to the other choices, note that the argument only asserts that the method is a "good clue", not the "best". Whether or not the method is difficult or expensive is irrelevant. Also note that the argument does not suggest that anyone actually use this method; it simply concludes that it's a good method. Also note that the question asks about the reliability of the method, not whether or not one should use it.

Choice (B) refers to difficulty. The argument claims that the method is good, not the easiest or the best.

(C) refers to pollen that is common to many regions, but the argument's premise focuses on pollen unique to a specific area.

(D) refers to the possible use of the method, not its reliability. Additionally, (D) states that data is scarce for "many" (more than one) plants. Thus, it's possible that data is plentiful for the vast majority of plants.

(E) refers to the difficulty level and cost of the the use of the method, neither of which have an effect on the reliability of the method.

 

9. Find the principle on which the Executive's argument is based. Notice that the first sentence refers to profits, whereas the premises refer to efficacy. The conclusion is based on the principle that if a product is considered ineffective by authorities, then the product will be unprofitable:

	Authorities Consider Ineffective g Unprofitable
	Profitable g Authorities Do Not Consider Ineffective

This principle appears in choice (E).

Choice (A) refers to determining the reliability of the medical publications. This is not at issue because the Editorialist has selected publications that have met whatever criteria exists for "reliable".

(B) refers to a "majority", however, we do not know about all reliable sources, just the ones that the Editorialist consulted. Additionally, whether the substance actually is effective is irrelevant. The argument is concerned with whether or not authorities consider it effective.

(C) is irrelevant because the Editorialist does not consult publications alone. Additionally, s/he does not consult the publications to determine whether the products will be profitable, but rather to determine whether the products are considered effective.

(D) refers to adverse effects, but the argument is concerned with ineffective, which could mean that the tinctures have no effects -- good or bad.