Resolve the Paradox LSAT Questions With Example

Quick answer: a Resolve the Paradox question gives you two facts that seem to clash. Your job is to find the answer that explains how both can be true. There is no conclusion to attack. You simply clear up the puzzle.

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How to Spot Resolve the Paradox Questions

Look for question stems like these:

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy?
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain the surprising finding?
Which one of the following contributes most to an explanation of the apparent paradox?

How to Solve Resolve the Paradox Questions

State the two facts that seem to clash.
Accept both as true.
Think about what would make both true at once.
Test each answer against both facts.
Pick the one that explains the conflict.

Resolve the Paradox Questions Example

This is a practice example we wrote to show the idea. It is not a real LSAT question.

Argument: The town added more buses last year. But bus ridership fell.

Question: Which answer most helps resolve the discrepancy?

Best answer: Bus fares doubled last year.

Why: More buses would normally mean more riders. A big fare increase gives a reason riders fell even with more buses, so both facts can be true.

Common Traps

Answers that explain only one of the facts.
Answers that make the puzzle worse.
Answers that deny a fact. Both facts are given as true.

Resolve the Paradox Questions FAQ

Is there a conclusion in these questions?

Usually not. There are two facts that seem to conflict.

Can I add new information?

Yes. The right answer often brings in a new fact.

What about the EXCEPT version?

Four answers explain the puzzle, and the right answer does not.

See all Logical Reasoning question types, read the Logical Reasoning guide, and practice with LSAC’s free official PrepTests.