LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Reading ComprehensionMedium
Passage: "The 'tragedy of the commons' describes a situation in which individuals, acting independently and rationally according to their own self-interest, behave contrary to the best interests of the whole group by depleting some common resource. This phenomenon is often cited in discussions of environmental degradation, such as overfishing or deforestation, where shared resources are exploited without adequate regulation. However, some scholars argue that this model is overly simplistic, failing to account for communities that have successfully managed common resources for centuries through established social norms, local governance, and traditional practices. These critics suggest that the 'tragedy' is not inherent to commons but rather arises from a lack of effective collective action and appropriate institutional design." Which of the following inferences about the 'tragedy of the commons' would be most supported by the passage?
- AIt always leads to irreversible environmental damage.
- BIt is an inevitable outcome when resources are shared.
- CIts occurrence can be mitigated by collective action and governance.
- DIt primarily affects resources in developing nations.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Its occurrence can be mitigated by collective action and governance.
The passage states that critics argue the tragedy 'arises from a lack of effective collective action and appropriate institutional design,' and that some communities 'successfully managed common resources for centuries through established social norms, local governance, and traditional practices.' This directly supports the inference that collective action and governance can mitigate its occurrence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While environmental degradation is mentioned as an example, the passage does not claim it always leads to irreversible damage, nor is that the focus of the counter-argument.
- B. The passage states 'some scholars argue that this model is overly simplistic' and point to successful management, suggesting it's not inevitable.
- D. The passage does not specify which nations are affected; it uses general examples like overfishing and deforestation.
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning, rather than explicit statements in the text.
- Requires connecting information within the passage.
- Must be supported, not merely consistent, with the text.
- Goes beyond what is stated but does not introduce outside information.
Memory trick: Connect the puzzle pieces to see the hidden light.