Free LSAT Practice Question

Question 1 of 1
ID: LSAT-LR-59
Section: Logical Reasoning
Topic: Weaken the Argument
Difficulty level: Medium

Practice Mode: Single selected Question » Back to Overview

Last year, a popular food magazine declared that indoor hydroponic farms are more profitable than traditional soil-based greenhouses. The magazine based this on survey data: 70 percent of hydroponic farmers reported turning a profit, whereas only 50 percent of greenhouse farmers said the same. However, the survey's authors failed to consider that hydroponic operations tend to be located in urban areas where consumers are willing to pay premium prices for "city-grown" produce. Therefore, once location is taken into account, hydroponic farms are unlikely to be more profitable than traditional greenhouses.

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the argument?

AA majority of soil-based greenhouses are located in rural areas where land costs are lower than in cities.

BMany hydroponic farms receive government grants aimed at encouraging urban agriculture.

CWhen hydroponic and soil-based farms operate in the same geographic market, hydroponic farms still report higher profit margins.

DSome hydroponic farmers surveyed had been in business for less than two years, whereas most greenhouse farmers had operated for decades.

EConsumers who buy produce labeled "city-grown" are more likely to value freshness than low prices.

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