Solving Evaluate questions can be difficult. The nature of the answer choices
allow for separate interpretations, and deciding on a single answer can be
challenging. In order to determine the correct answer choice on a Evaluate the
Argument question, apply the Variance TestTM.
The Variance Test consists of supplying two polar opposite responses to the
question posed in the answer choice and then analyzing how the varying
responses affect the conclusion in the stimulus. If different responses produce
different effects on the conclusion, then the answer choice is correct. If different
responses do not produce different effects, then the answer choice is incorrect.
For example, if an Evaluate the Argument answer choice states “What is the
percentage of people who live near a nuclear plant?” look to test the two most
extreme possibilities: first test the response “0%” for its effect on the conclusion
and then test the response “100%” for its effect on the conclusion. If the answer
choice is correct, one of the percentages should strengthen the argument and
one of the percentages should weaken the argument. If the answer choice is
incorrect, neither response will have an effect on the argument.
Of course, the answer choice does not have to be about percentages for the
technique to work; the Variance Test will work regardless of the nature of the
answer choice. Here are some more example answer choices and Variance Test
responses:
If an answer choice asks “Is the pattern permanent?” first test “Yes” as a
response and then test “No” as a response (remember, you must test
opposite answers). If the answer choice is correct, one response should
strengthen the argument and one response should weaken the argument.
If the answer choice is incorrect, neither response will have an effect on
the argument.
If an answer choice asks “Are corporate or environmental interests more
important?” first test “Corporate interests are more important” as a
response and then test “Environmental interests are more important” as a
response. If the answer choice is correct, one response should strengthen
the argument and one response should weaken the argument. If the
answer choice is incorrect, neither response will have an effect on the
argument.
Now we will use an LSAT question to more fully explore how the question
type works and how the correct answer can be determined by the Variance Test.
Please take a moment to complete the following question:
1. Advertisement: Most power hedge trimmers on the market do an adequate job of trimming hedges, but many power hedge trimmers are dangerous to operate and can cause serious injury when used by untrained operators. Bolter Industries’ hedge trimmer has been tested by National Laboratories, the most trusted name in safety testing. So you know, if you buy a Bolter’s, you are buying a power hedge trimmer whose safety is assured.
The answer to which one of the following questions
would be most useful in evaluating the truth of the
conclusion drawn in the advertisement?
(A) Has National Laboratories performed safety
tests on other machines made by Bolter
Industries?
(B) How important to the average buyer of a
power hedge trimmer is safety of operation?
(C) What were the results of National
Laboratories’ tests of Bolter Industries’
hedge trimmer?
(D) Are there safer ways of trimming a hedge than
using a power hedge trimmer?
(E) Does any other power hedge trimmer on the
market do a better job of trimming hedges
than does Bolter Industries’ hedge trimmer?
