Question

13\. An irony resulting from the announcement that sharks will be placed on the managed species list is (A) We will now find out less about cancer, so in effect by saving the sharks, we are hurting ourselves. (B) sharks are far more dangerous to other fish than we are to them. (C) more chefs are now using the cartilaginous tissues found in shark fins. (D) more sharks are being killed now than before the announcement. (E) man will now protect a creature that he has been the victim of.

Short answer

Option (D) is the irony: more sharks are being killed after announcing protection.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Irony

Irony involves a situation where the outcome is contrary to what one would expect. It's crucial to identify which of the given choices presents an unexpected or contradictory result from the announcement that sharks will be under management.

Analyzing Each Option

Go through each option and determine if it presents a contrast between expectation and reality: - (A): Saving sharks might reduce cancer research results, but it's not directly ironic concerning managing sharks. - (B): This suggests sharks are more dangerous to fish than us, but the management list is to protect them, not necessarily about their danger level. - (C): Using shark fins more due to the announcement doesn't display irony linked specifically to management. - (D): It suggests a paradox—attempt to protect leads to more deaths, which is ironic. - (E): Protecting something that might occasionally harm us aligns with irony.

Identifying the Most Ironic Situation

Based on the analysis, Option (D) 'more sharks are being killed now than before the announcement' is the most ironic. The paradox lies in the fact that while the intent was to protect sharks, the result is contrary because more are being killed.

Key concepts

Understanding Irony

Irony is a fascinating concept in language and involves a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what is expected. It's like expecting sunshine but getting rain when you're all set for a beach day. In the context of LSAT preparation, understanding irony helps in recognizing discrepancies and contradictions in arguments.

When examining irony, think about:

• Expectations vs. Reality: Look for situations where what is happening differs radically from what one would logically anticipate.
• Contradictory Outcomes: Identify instances where the intended outcome is not achieved, and the opposite occurs instead.

In the exercise described, the irony arises from the announcement meant to protect sharks, yet potentially resulting in more harm to them—truly a situation diverging from reasonable expectations.

Logical Reasoning Skills

Developing logical reasoning skills is crucial for tackling LSAT questions effectively. These skills involve being able to assess arguments, draw conclusions, and identify logical fallacies. When you're faced with choices, as in the original exercise, logical reasoning helps dissect each option logically.

To sharpen these skills, consider the following tips:

• Evaluate Each Argument: Break down the reasoning in each option to see if it follows a logical path.
• Spot the Contradictions: Look for illogical or contradictory statements in the arguments presented.
• Draw Informed Conclusions: Use evidence and reason to reach conclusions that make sense.

Logical reasoning skills not only aid in solving LSAT questions but also enhance your ability to make sound decisions in everyday life.

Analyzing Paradoxes

Paradoxes are statements or situations that defy intuition by having seemingly contradictory aspects. They play a significant role in challenges like the LSAT, as they require deep analysis and understanding.

To effectively analyze paradoxes, keep these points in mind:

• Identify the Contradiction: Look for the elements of the situation that seem to oppose each other.
• Understand the Context: Context can illuminate why a paradox exists and how it can occur logically.
• Think Critically: Use critical thinking to delve into possible explanations for the paradoxical nature of a situation.

In the discussed exercise, the paradox is that an effort to save sharks results in more being killed, challenging our conventional understanding and expectations. Recognizing and evaluating this paradox helps in selecting the most ironic outcome in the context of the question.