Strengthen/Support - LSAT Logical Reasoning
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It is immoral for a government to enter a war unless its own citizens have been attacked. To avoid taking immoral action, governments should receive international approval before entering a war in another country, no matter the cost.
Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument?
It is immoral for a government to enter a war unless its own citizens have been attacked. To avoid taking immoral action, governments should receive international approval before entering a war in another country, no matter the cost.
Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument?
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An apparent weakness of the argument is that a government might receive international approval for going to war even when its citizens have not been attacked. If a government could never receive international approval for such a war, then this would no longer be a weakness.
An apparent weakness of the argument is that a government might receive international approval for going to war even when its citizens have not been attacked. If a government could never receive international approval for such a war, then this would no longer be a weakness.
Some arguments for expanding U.S. oil production are misguided. Vehicles that do not burn gasoline will be readily available within fifty years, and vehicles that do not burn gasoline do not require oil production. Furthermore, any job creation benefits from increased oil production would be offset by the negative economic effects of producing a product that will not be in demand. Alternatively, jobs can also be created by increased development of oil alternatives.
The argument is strengthened by all of the following, if true, except:
Some arguments for expanding U.S. oil production are misguided. Vehicles that do not burn gasoline will be readily available within fifty years, and vehicles that do not burn gasoline do not require oil production. Furthermore, any job creation benefits from increased oil production would be offset by the negative economic effects of producing a product that will not be in demand. Alternatively, jobs can also be created by increased development of oil alternatives.
The argument is strengthened by all of the following, if true, except:
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The passage only claims that some arguments for increasing oil production are misguided. It does not indicate that any environmental arguments are misguided.
The passage only claims that some arguments for increasing oil production are misguided. It does not indicate that any environmental arguments are misguided.
When car manufacturers place a high priority on generating large profits, they neglect their responsibility to make safe cars. Those manufacturers with the highest profits also make the most unsafe cars. Car manufacturers should be less concerned with generating large profits in order to improve car safety.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
When car manufacturers place a high priority on generating large profits, they neglect their responsibility to make safe cars. Those manufacturers with the highest profits also make the most unsafe cars. Car manufacturers should be less concerned with generating large profits in order to improve car safety.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
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The argument states that manufacturers with the highest profits also make the most unsafe cars. This is only supporting evidence, however, if manufacturers with the highest profits also place the highest priority on profits.
The argument states that manufacturers with the highest profits also make the most unsafe cars. This is only supporting evidence, however, if manufacturers with the highest profits also place the highest priority on profits.
Common perceptions aside, people are safer from crime in urban areas than in rural areas. The reason for this is that there are more people available to prevent crimes in urban areas and police can respond more quickly than in rural areas. For instance, a person who yells for help after being robbed is more likely to be heard in an urban area. It is also likely that a police officer will arrive more quickly because there are more of them in urban areas.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
Common perceptions aside, people are safer from crime in urban areas than in rural areas. The reason for this is that there are more people available to prevent crimes in urban areas and police can respond more quickly than in rural areas. For instance, a person who yells for help after being robbed is more likely to be heard in an urban area. It is also likely that a police officer will arrive more quickly because there are more of them in urban areas.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
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The fact that police officers respond more quickly in urban areas than in rural areas directly supports a central premise of the argument and, ultimately, the conclusion. Several of the incorrect answers appear to provide some support for the ultimate conclusion, but they do not provide support for the particular reasoning of the argument.
The fact that police officers respond more quickly in urban areas than in rural areas directly supports a central premise of the argument and, ultimately, the conclusion. Several of the incorrect answers appear to provide some support for the ultimate conclusion, but they do not provide support for the particular reasoning of the argument.
Professional football teams should more often select new players from colleges with uncompetitive football teams. Most professional teams target players from competitive college teams, leaving few competitors for teams who select from less competitive colleges. Those who take a different view incorrectly believe that there are few talented players at uncompetitive colleges. The reality is that even very uncompetitive teams may have exceptionally talented individual players.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
Professional football teams should more often select new players from colleges with uncompetitive football teams. Most professional teams target players from competitive college teams, leaving few competitors for teams who select from less competitive colleges. Those who take a different view incorrectly believe that there are few talented players at uncompetitive colleges. The reality is that even very uncompetitive teams may have exceptionally talented individual players.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
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The argument claims that professional teams should select players from uncompetitive college teams but only asserts one advantage to doing so: less competition from other professional teams. The argument is thus strengthened if professional teams are less likely to compete for players from uncompetitive teams.
The argument claims that professional teams should select players from uncompetitive college teams but only asserts one advantage to doing so: less competition from other professional teams. The argument is thus strengthened if professional teams are less likely to compete for players from uncompetitive teams.
The Democratic Party, despite being more popular than the Republicans in a recent national poll, will not retake the House of Representatives this upcoming election. This poll does not account for the fact that most incumbent Republicans poll much higher than the rest of their party, the Democratic Party does not have eligible candidates to challenge most seats, nor that recent changes in election laws give the better-funded Republican Party the opportunity to flood television with attack advertisements.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument made in the passage above?
The Democratic Party, despite being more popular than the Republicans in a recent national poll, will not retake the House of Representatives this upcoming election. This poll does not account for the fact that most incumbent Republicans poll much higher than the rest of their party, the Democratic Party does not have eligible candidates to challenge most seats, nor that recent changes in election laws give the better-funded Republican Party the opportunity to flood television with attack advertisements.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument made in the passage above?
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This answer defends the conclusion from the argument that the attack advertisements the Republicans will use will push voters away. The other four answers either contain irrelevant information or evidence that actually harms the conclusion.
This answer defends the conclusion from the argument that the attack advertisements the Republicans will use will push voters away. The other four answers either contain irrelevant information or evidence that actually harms the conclusion.
Scholar: Journalists tend to be low-paid workers struggling to meet deadlines. Their editors tend to care less about the accuracy of the story and more about whether the story will sell. It follows that readers should be skeptical of the accuracy of most newspaper articles they read.
Each of the following helps strengthen the argument in the passage above EXCEPT:
Scholar: Journalists tend to be low-paid workers struggling to meet deadlines. Their editors tend to care less about the accuracy of the story and more about whether the story will sell. It follows that readers should be skeptical of the accuracy of most newspaper articles they read.
Each of the following helps strengthen the argument in the passage above EXCEPT:
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The correct answer does nothing to strengthen the argument presented in the stimulus. The fact that readers do not feel they are getting the whole story does not mean that readers should not trust the newspaper articles they read. This answer only speaks to how readers feel, not the objective reality of whether the newspaper articles are accurate.
The correct answer does nothing to strengthen the argument presented in the stimulus. The fact that readers do not feel they are getting the whole story does not mean that readers should not trust the newspaper articles they read. This answer only speaks to how readers feel, not the objective reality of whether the newspaper articles are accurate.
Even though Cindy tends to not lie, she decided that she would tell her friend Marvin that his performance went well, even though it had not, to cheer him up.
Which one of the following principles justifies Cindy’s behavior?
Even though Cindy tends to not lie, she decided that she would tell her friend Marvin that his performance went well, even though it had not, to cheer him up.
Which one of the following principles justifies Cindy’s behavior?
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Only the correct answer is a principle that justifies the stimulus. The rest of the answers do not line up with the stimulus.
Only the correct answer is a principle that justifies the stimulus. The rest of the answers do not line up with the stimulus.
Academics in theology departments generally agree that there are fewer religious people today than fifty years ago. There are two primary critiques of that view, however. First, the conclusion depends on a definition that is highly subject to debate. If “religion” is defined as a strongly held conviction about the purpose of the world, for instance, the academics may be incorrect. On the other hand, the conclusion would be justified if "religion" is defined as a belief in a supernatural god. Second, the academics base their conclusion almost exclusively on data collected from the western hemisphere.
Which of the following, if assumed, strengthens the conclusion of the academics?
Academics in theology departments generally agree that there are fewer religious people today than fifty years ago. There are two primary critiques of that view, however. First, the conclusion depends on a definition that is highly subject to debate. If “religion” is defined as a strongly held conviction about the purpose of the world, for instance, the academics may be incorrect. On the other hand, the conclusion would be justified if "religion" is defined as a belief in a supernatural god. Second, the academics base their conclusion almost exclusively on data collected from the western hemisphere.
Which of the following, if assumed, strengthens the conclusion of the academics?
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None of the answers responds to both objections. If the academics' conclusion applied only to the western hemisphere, however, then the second objection would be defeated and the academics' conclusion would be strengthened. At first glance, the answer that "most people believe 'religion' should be defined as a belief in a supernatural god," seems like an equally correct answer; but this does not directly refute the claim that the definition is "subject to debate."
None of the answers responds to both objections. If the academics' conclusion applied only to the western hemisphere, however, then the second objection would be defeated and the academics' conclusion would be strengthened. At first glance, the answer that "most people believe 'religion' should be defined as a belief in a supernatural god," seems like an equally correct answer; but this does not directly refute the claim that the definition is "subject to debate."
Contrary to what many people believe, living in the city provides for a healthier lifestyle than living in the suburbs. This is due in large part to the fact that people who live in the city are often encouraged to walk more than people living in the suburbs.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the argument?
Contrary to what many people believe, living in the city provides for a healthier lifestyle than living in the suburbs. This is due in large part to the fact that people who live in the city are often encouraged to walk more than people living in the suburbs.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the argument?
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The argument hinges on the fact that cities are healthier than suburban areas due to the fact that people walk more. Therefore, information that would strengthen this argument would support the fact that walking is in fact healthy. Therefore, the answer is:
Walking has been shown to be beneficial to a person's cardiovascular health.
The argument hinges on the fact that cities are healthier than suburban areas due to the fact that people walk more. Therefore, information that would strengthen this argument would support the fact that walking is in fact healthy. Therefore, the answer is:
Walking has been shown to be beneficial to a person's cardiovascular health.
If the President of Yakistan does not get reelected, then his political party will not maintain power. If the unemployment rate continues to decline, the President of Yakistan will not get reelected. Several experts have predicted that the unemployment rate will continue to decline. Therefore, the President of Yakistan’s political party will not maintain power.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the conclusion made in the paragraph above?
If the President of Yakistan does not get reelected, then his political party will not maintain power. If the unemployment rate continues to decline, the President of Yakistan will not get reelected. Several experts have predicted that the unemployment rate will continue to decline. Therefore, the President of Yakistan’s political party will not maintain power.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the conclusion made in the paragraph above?
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We are looking for an answer that strengthens the problem. One of the weaknesses of the stimulus’ argument is that we do not know for sure if we can trust the predictions of the cited experts. The correct answer confirms that the experts are reliable making it much more likely that the unemployment rate will continue to decline. The other answers either weaken the conclusion or have no relevance.
We are looking for an answer that strengthens the problem. One of the weaknesses of the stimulus’ argument is that we do not know for sure if we can trust the predictions of the cited experts. The correct answer confirms that the experts are reliable making it much more likely that the unemployment rate will continue to decline. The other answers either weaken the conclusion or have no relevance.
A new government report claims that the current administration has curtailed its domestic surveillance program. However, the report maintains that specific programs within the domestic surveillance infrastructure the government maintains will remain classified. In the past when the government has kept information classified, the visible reforms the government has performed have been negated by secret expansions. Thus, we know that the current administration has failed to curtail its domestic surveillance program.
Each of the following strengthens the argument presented in the paragraph above EXCEPT
A new government report claims that the current administration has curtailed its domestic surveillance program. However, the report maintains that specific programs within the domestic surveillance infrastructure the government maintains will remain classified. In the past when the government has kept information classified, the visible reforms the government has performed have been negated by secret expansions. Thus, we know that the current administration has failed to curtail its domestic surveillance program.
Each of the following strengthens the argument presented in the paragraph above EXCEPT
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The correct answer does not strengthen the argument and in fact weakens the argument by showing that the relationship presented that has occurred in the past may not be applicable. The new administration has never released a report with classified information before so we do not know if it will maintain a similar strategy to past administrations. The other answers strengthen the argument presented in the stimulus.
The correct answer does not strengthen the argument and in fact weakens the argument by showing that the relationship presented that has occurred in the past may not be applicable. The new administration has never released a report with classified information before so we do not know if it will maintain a similar strategy to past administrations. The other answers strengthen the argument presented in the stimulus.
Intellectual property rights are essential to providing incentives for pharmaceutical companies to innovate and create new medicines. Despite this, the government should be willing to curtail some intellectual property rights. Millions of people are dying of various diseases and the fact that some pharmaceutical companies have exclusive rights to produce certain drugs means many people are unable to purchase those drugs.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument presented in the stimulus.
Intellectual property rights are essential to providing incentives for pharmaceutical companies to innovate and create new medicines. Despite this, the government should be willing to curtail some intellectual property rights. Millions of people are dying of various diseases and the fact that some pharmaceutical companies have exclusive rights to produce certain drugs means many people are unable to purchase those drugs.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument presented in the stimulus.
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The correct answer will help strengthen the argument presented in the stimulus. One way to strengthen this stimulus is by showing that the reduction in innovation produced by curtailing intellectual property rights will not make it harder to help the millions of people across the world dying of various diseases. The correct answer does this by showing that the innovations to help cure the disease have already occurred.
The correct answer will help strengthen the argument presented in the stimulus. One way to strengthen this stimulus is by showing that the reduction in innovation produced by curtailing intellectual property rights will not make it harder to help the millions of people across the world dying of various diseases. The correct answer does this by showing that the innovations to help cure the disease have already occurred.
In Southern California, a small newspaper company has doubled its sales of newspapers this quarter, compared to the previous quarter. However, it is bringing in significantly less revenue.
Which of the following, if true, offers the best explanation for the situation described above?
In Southern California, a small newspaper company has doubled its sales of newspapers this quarter, compared to the previous quarter. However, it is bringing in significantly less revenue.
Which of the following, if true, offers the best explanation for the situation described above?
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The correct answer is:
The newspaper company has lowered the prices of the paper in order sell more; however, the increase in sales does not offset the lower price point.
This is because lowering the price of a product will only increase revenue if a sufficient amount of the product is sold. If the newspaper company did not sell enough of its product, then it follows that revenue would decrease.
The correct answer is:
The newspaper company has lowered the prices of the paper in order sell more; however, the increase in sales does not offset the lower price point.
This is because lowering the price of a product will only increase revenue if a sufficient amount of the product is sold. If the newspaper company did not sell enough of its product, then it follows that revenue would decrease.
Psychologist: Intelligence cannot be adequately captured by a single number, such as an IQ score. There are different types of intelligence, including social, emotional, and kinesthetic. Indeed, these forms of intelligence may be even more important than IQ when it comes to everyday functioning and life satisfaction. Humans face different types of challenges, many of which cannot be expressed or measured in a standardized test. It is, therefore, likely that IQ scores are overvalued in our society, and should be de-emphasized.
Which one of the following, if true, lends the most support to the psychologist’s argument?
Psychologist: Intelligence cannot be adequately captured by a single number, such as an IQ score. There are different types of intelligence, including social, emotional, and kinesthetic. Indeed, these forms of intelligence may be even more important than IQ when it comes to everyday functioning and life satisfaction. Humans face different types of challenges, many of which cannot be expressed or measured in a standardized test. It is, therefore, likely that IQ scores are overvalued in our society, and should be de-emphasized.
Which one of the following, if true, lends the most support to the psychologist’s argument?
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The key phrases in the psychologist’s conclusion are “everyday functioning and life satisfaction.” A study which shows that skills not measured by IQ (relationship management) may lead to greater happiness and financial success is strong evidence of an IQ score’s limitations.
The key phrases in the psychologist’s conclusion are “everyday functioning and life satisfaction.” A study which shows that skills not measured by IQ (relationship management) may lead to greater happiness and financial success is strong evidence of an IQ score’s limitations.
Transcriptionist: To be a successful transcriptionist, you must focus on improving your typing speed. But “words per minute” alone is not the best measure. You should instead focus on being able to quickly and accurately type long passages of at least five hundred words. You need to encounter a variety of different words, numbers, and types of punctuation. Shorter passages, while useful to obtain a higher maximum speed, are insufficient to sustain speed over the long term.
Which one of the following statements, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning in the transcriptionist’s argument?
Transcriptionist: To be a successful transcriptionist, you must focus on improving your typing speed. But “words per minute” alone is not the best measure. You should instead focus on being able to quickly and accurately type long passages of at least five hundred words. You need to encounter a variety of different words, numbers, and types of punctuation. Shorter passages, while useful to obtain a higher maximum speed, are insufficient to sustain speed over the long term.
Which one of the following statements, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning in the transcriptionist’s argument?
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The transcriptionist’s advice is valid if being a successful transcriptionist involves the kind of typing recommended. That such passages are of the kind used by transcriptionists is assumed, but not directly stated by the transcriptionist.
The transcriptionist’s advice is valid if being a successful transcriptionist involves the kind of typing recommended. That such passages are of the kind used by transcriptionists is assumed, but not directly stated by the transcriptionist.
A study of history is necessary to understand science, which means understanding the scientific method. The scientific method has developed over the centuries, and though now taken for granted, has certain underlying assumptions which must be realized in order to fully understand its limitations. For instance, five hundred years ago it was not assumed that one had to develop a working hypothesis prior to beginning experimentation. Back then the steps could be taken out of order or skipped altogether. Such ideas are unheard of in today’s scientific community, and we need more scientists who are fully aware of how this came about.
Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument?
A study of history is necessary to understand science, which means understanding the scientific method. The scientific method has developed over the centuries, and though now taken for granted, has certain underlying assumptions which must be realized in order to fully understand its limitations. For instance, five hundred years ago it was not assumed that one had to develop a working hypothesis prior to beginning experimentation. Back then the steps could be taken out of order or skipped altogether. Such ideas are unheard of in today’s scientific community, and we need more scientists who are fully aware of how this came about.
Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument?
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The argument’s main point is that studying history is necessary to understand the scientific method, and by extension the method’s limitations. If a study of history is the only way to fully understand those limitations, the conclusion is strengthened. Otherwise it could be argued that scientists could study and understand the limitations without the historical background. The other answer choices, while they may be helpful in establishing some of the argument’s premises, do not strengthen the conclusion.
The argument’s main point is that studying history is necessary to understand the scientific method, and by extension the method’s limitations. If a study of history is the only way to fully understand those limitations, the conclusion is strengthened. Otherwise it could be argued that scientists could study and understand the limitations without the historical background. The other answer choices, while they may be helpful in establishing some of the argument’s premises, do not strengthen the conclusion.
It is a costly, needless error to require extensive training for all medical professionals. Some perform complex surgeries and some eye exams, but all are required to receive broad training. If training requirements were more appropriately adapted to particular jobs within the medical field, many medical professionals could more easily become certified to practice and would charge less for their services.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
It is a costly, needless error to require extensive training for all medical professionals. Some perform complex surgeries and some eye exams, but all are required to receive broad training. If training requirements were more appropriately adapted to particular jobs within the medical field, many medical professionals could more easily become certified to practice and would charge less for their services.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
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The argument in its original form assumes a connection between less broad training and the benefits of lower charges and ease of certification. The argument is clearly strengthened if there is such a connection.
The argument in its original form assumes a connection between less broad training and the benefits of lower charges and ease of certification. The argument is clearly strengthened if there is such a connection.
The college degree has become worthless. There was a time when a select group of people obtained college degrees and were uniquely qualified for particular jobs as a result. Today, many more people have college degrees so having one no longer makes a person uniquely qualified.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
The college degree has become worthless. There was a time when a select group of people obtained college degrees and were uniquely qualified for particular jobs as a result. Today, many more people have college degrees so having one no longer makes a person uniquely qualified.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
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The author asserts that college degrees are now worthless, but supports that claim only by arguing that college degrees do not uniquely qualify people for particular jobs. In its original form, the argument does not necessarily support the author's primary claim. A degree may be valuable even though it does not uniquely qualify a person for particular jobs.
The author asserts that college degrees are now worthless, but supports that claim only by arguing that college degrees do not uniquely qualify people for particular jobs. In its original form, the argument does not necessarily support the author's primary claim. A degree may be valuable even though it does not uniquely qualify a person for particular jobs.
Marsha currently plays basketball for Team 1 but should consider playing for Team 2. Team 2 would be glad to have Marsha because she is very talented and she would have a much better chance of winning a championship than if she stays with Team 1. It is true that Marsha can probably make more money on Team 1, but her primary goal is to win a championship.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
Marsha currently plays basketball for Team 1 but should consider playing for Team 2. Team 2 would be glad to have Marsha because she is very talented and she would have a much better chance of winning a championship than if she stays with Team 1. It is true that Marsha can probably make more money on Team 1, but her primary goal is to win a championship.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
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The argument suggests that Marsha should play for Team 2 because she would have a greater chance of winning a championship on that team than with Team 1. If she has an even better chance of winning a championship elsewhere, however, then it would no longer be clear that Marsha should play for Team 2. As a result, the argument is stronger if Marsha has a better chance of winning a championship with Team 2 than with any other team.
The argument suggests that Marsha should play for Team 2 because she would have a greater chance of winning a championship on that team than with Team 1. If she has an even better chance of winning a championship elsewhere, however, then it would no longer be clear that Marsha should play for Team 2. As a result, the argument is stronger if Marsha has a better chance of winning a championship with Team 2 than with any other team.