Assumption - LSAT Logical Reasoning
Card 0 of 392
Live theater has been in competition with more modern media options for years. Today, there are a vast number of entertainment options and there is easy access to high quality entertainment technology, such as sophisticated home theater systems. Fewer people watch live theater than in the past. As a result, live theater has lost the competition with modern media.
Which of the following, if true, would allow the conclusion to be logically drawn?
Live theater has been in competition with more modern media options for years. Today, there are a vast number of entertainment options and there is easy access to high quality entertainment technology, such as sophisticated home theater systems. Fewer people watch live theater than in the past. As a result, live theater has lost the competition with modern media.
Which of the following, if true, would allow the conclusion to be logically drawn?
The argument concludes that live theater has lost a competition with modern media. The conclusion does not logically follow from the assertions in the argument as they are presented. It is not clear how the competition would be lost. The additional premise allows the conclusion to be drawn.
The argument concludes that live theater has lost a competition with modern media. The conclusion does not logically follow from the assertions in the argument as they are presented. It is not clear how the competition would be lost. The additional premise allows the conclusion to be drawn.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Relaxation of credit standards helped cause the recent mortgage crisis. Credit standards should not have been relaxed because, if they had not been, the mortgage crisis would have been avoided.
The argument assumes which of the following?
Relaxation of credit standards helped cause the recent mortgage crisis. Credit standards should not have been relaxed because, if they had not been, the mortgage crisis would have been avoided.
The argument assumes which of the following?
The argument mentions the relaxation of credit standards as a cause of the mortgage crisis. It assumes that it is the only cause (or but for cause) of the crisis.
The argument mentions the relaxation of credit standards as a cause of the mortgage crisis. It assumes that it is the only cause (or but for cause) of the crisis.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The general contractor working on the new bridge should use caution before hiring subcontractors because many subcontractors defraud general contractors who do not take appropriate caution. When general contractors take appropriate caution, however, they always avoid being defrauded. The general contractor working on the new bridge will not be defrauded because he has formal contracts with his subcontractors.
Which of the following assumptions, if true, allows the conclusion to be properly drawn?
The general contractor working on the new bridge should use caution before hiring subcontractors because many subcontractors defraud general contractors who do not take appropriate caution. When general contractors take appropriate caution, however, they always avoid being defrauded. The general contractor working on the new bridge will not be defrauded because he has formal contracts with his subcontractors.
Which of the following assumptions, if true, allows the conclusion to be properly drawn?
We know that if there is appropriate caution, general contractors are not defrauded. We also know that the general contractor in this case obtained formal contracts. If obtaining formal contracts is appropriate caution, then the contractor here has taken appropriate caution and will not be defrauded.
We know that if there is appropriate caution, general contractors are not defrauded. We also know that the general contractor in this case obtained formal contracts. If obtaining formal contracts is appropriate caution, then the contractor here has taken appropriate caution and will not be defrauded.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Movie producers complain that movie critics find it easier to write reviews about movies they dislike than to write reviews about movies that they like. Regardless of whether this hypothesis is true, most movie reviews are devoted to movies that critics find distasteful. Therefore, most movie reviews are devoted to movies other than the best movies.
The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?
Movie producers complain that movie critics find it easier to write reviews about movies they dislike than to write reviews about movies that they like. Regardless of whether this hypothesis is true, most movie reviews are devoted to movies that critics find distasteful. Therefore, most movie reviews are devoted to movies other than the best movies.
The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?
This argument misses the important link between critics not liking a movie and that movie not being one of the best movies. However, this conclusion would be valid if we have the assumption provided in the correct answer choice, “The best movies are those that critics find tasteful.” This assumption links the best movies with the movies that critics find tasteful. Thus, with this assumption, the conclusion works: If most movie reviews are devoted to movies that critics find distasteful, and the best movies are the movies that critics find tasteful, then it follows that most criticism is devoted to movies other than the best movies.
This argument misses the important link between critics not liking a movie and that movie not being one of the best movies. However, this conclusion would be valid if we have the assumption provided in the correct answer choice, “The best movies are those that critics find tasteful.” This assumption links the best movies with the movies that critics find tasteful. Thus, with this assumption, the conclusion works: If most movie reviews are devoted to movies that critics find distasteful, and the best movies are the movies that critics find tasteful, then it follows that most criticism is devoted to movies other than the best movies.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
A paleontologist found a dinosaur tibia and fibula bone group that was too large to be placed into a stabilized storage chest. Luckily, an assistant discovered a way to safely separate the tibia and fibula bones. These bones could be reassembled later without a noticeable change in either bone. Now the bones can be placed in two stabilized storage chests.
The argument above depends on which of the following assumptions?
A paleontologist found a dinosaur tibia and fibula bone group that was too large to be placed into a stabilized storage chest. Luckily, an assistant discovered a way to safely separate the tibia and fibula bones. These bones could be reassembled later without a noticeable change in either bone. Now the bones can be placed in two stabilized storage chests.
The argument above depends on which of the following assumptions?
Here, size offered the only barrier to putting the tibia and fibula bone group into the chest. Since the separated bones can now fit into their own separate chests, the author assumes that each bone can fit into a chest. Thus, the correct choice is: “Neither the tibia or fibula bone is too large to fit into the chest.”
Here, size offered the only barrier to putting the tibia and fibula bone group into the chest. Since the separated bones can now fit into their own separate chests, the author assumes that each bone can fit into a chest. Thus, the correct choice is: “Neither the tibia or fibula bone is too large to fit into the chest.”
Compare your answer with the correct one above
At this school, there are no ballet dancers who are also salsa dancers. However, all ballroom dancers are also salsa dancers. Therefore, no ballroom dancers will be competing in the upcoming competition.
The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
At this school, there are no ballet dancers who are also salsa dancers. However, all ballroom dancers are also salsa dancers. Therefore, no ballroom dancers will be competing in the upcoming competition.
The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
We already know from the premises that ballroom dancers and ballet dancers are mutually exclusive. The only question that remains is who will compete in the upcoming competition. If only ballet dancers will compete, ballroom dancers are excluded (as well as salsa dancers), and the conclusion must logically follow.
We already know from the premises that ballroom dancers and ballet dancers are mutually exclusive. The only question that remains is who will compete in the upcoming competition. If only ballet dancers will compete, ballroom dancers are excluded (as well as salsa dancers), and the conclusion must logically follow.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Large numbers of people fall ill every year from illnesses that could have been avoided by proper vaccination. Therefore, the government should spend money to educate people about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Which of the following assumptions would NOT support the argument?
Large numbers of people fall ill every year from illnesses that could have been avoided by proper vaccination. Therefore, the government should spend money to educate people about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Which of the following assumptions would NOT support the argument?
If the average citizen simply cannot afford vaccinations, then the government's expenditure of money on educating citizens may not be the wisest use of funds. The rest of the answer choices support the argument that the government should invest in an education campaign about vaccination.
If the average citizen simply cannot afford vaccinations, then the government's expenditure of money on educating citizens may not be the wisest use of funds. The rest of the answer choices support the argument that the government should invest in an education campaign about vaccination.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The best obedience training new dog owners can undertake is training themselves. If the owner is disciplined, careful, and alert, the natural willingness to please in the puppy will follow right after the owner's own behavior and the puppy will become a well-trained dog.
Which one of the following is a sufficient assumption for the conclusion of the argument?
The best obedience training new dog owners can undertake is training themselves. If the owner is disciplined, careful, and alert, the natural willingness to please in the puppy will follow right after the owner's own behavior and the puppy will become a well-trained dog.
Which one of the following is a sufficient assumption for the conclusion of the argument?
The argument revolves around how to best train a dog in an obedience class, specifically saying that a well-trained human is the best vehicle for a well-trained dog; however, the main point that this argument hinges on, and which is not said directly in the statement, is that a dog is naturally adept at being trained through its innate wish to please its owner.
The argument revolves around how to best train a dog in an obedience class, specifically saying that a well-trained human is the best vehicle for a well-trained dog; however, the main point that this argument hinges on, and which is not said directly in the statement, is that a dog is naturally adept at being trained through its innate wish to please its owner.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The most serious criminal offenders need to be placed in extra-secure prisons. Communications, even when well-searched and analyzed, are susceptible to sending secret messages to people not under incarceration, especially in the case of gang leaders, mafia members, and drug kingpins.
Which of the following is a sufficient assumption for the conclusion of the passage?
The most serious criminal offenders need to be placed in extra-secure prisons. Communications, even when well-searched and analyzed, are susceptible to sending secret messages to people not under incarceration, especially in the case of gang leaders, mafia members, and drug kingpins.
Which of the following is a sufficient assumption for the conclusion of the passage?
The passage focuses on one aspect of prison security, communications in and out of prisons, and argues that tighter monitoring of that aspect is a necessity. While there are many assumptions that could lead to this conclusion, certain prisoners being more adept at codes would be sufficient to reach the idea that prisons are not as secure as they could be.
The passage focuses on one aspect of prison security, communications in and out of prisons, and argues that tighter monitoring of that aspect is a necessity. While there are many assumptions that could lead to this conclusion, certain prisoners being more adept at codes would be sufficient to reach the idea that prisons are not as secure as they could be.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Scientists are now reporting that recent studies show the drug has been extremely effective in masking the harmful side effects of the disease. This breakthrough gives hope to many patients that scientists are very close to finding an appropriate medicine to fully cure the disease.
Which of the following statements is a sufficient assumption for the argument in the above passage?
Scientists are now reporting that recent studies show the drug has been extremely effective in masking the harmful side effects of the disease. This breakthrough gives hope to many patients that scientists are very close to finding an appropriate medicine to fully cure the disease.
Which of the following statements is a sufficient assumption for the argument in the above passage?
The passage states that the cure for the disease should come to pass soon, and that it will happen because there have now been breakthroughs in treating the disease's side effects. This indicates that it assumed that the two events are highly related, which is the sufficient assumption for the conclusion in the passage.
The passage states that the cure for the disease should come to pass soon, and that it will happen because there have now been breakthroughs in treating the disease's side effects. This indicates that it assumed that the two events are highly related, which is the sufficient assumption for the conclusion in the passage.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
A medical degree is necessary for appointment to the hospital's board of directors. Further, no one having more than a five-percent equity stake in a pharmaceutical company can be appointed to the board of directors. Consequently, Dell, a practicing physician with a PhD in bioethics, cannot be appointed the hospital's treasurer, since he owns fifteen percent of PillCo, a pharmaceutical company.
The argument’s conclusion follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
A medical degree is necessary for appointment to the hospital's board of directors. Further, no one having more than a five-percent equity stake in a pharmaceutical company can be appointed to the board of directors. Consequently, Dell, a practicing physician with a PhD in bioethics, cannot be appointed the hospital's treasurer, since he owns fifteen percent of PillCo, a pharmaceutical company.
The argument’s conclusion follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
To answer this question, it is necessary to recognize that while appointment criteria are set forth for the board of directors, they are applied to the position of Treasurer. We are never told that a Treasurer is a member of the board of directors. Thus, the conclusion is only warranted if eligibility for appointment to the board is a necessary condition for appointment to the position of Treasurer.
To answer this question, it is necessary to recognize that while appointment criteria are set forth for the board of directors, they are applied to the position of Treasurer. We are never told that a Treasurer is a member of the board of directors. Thus, the conclusion is only warranted if eligibility for appointment to the board is a necessary condition for appointment to the position of Treasurer.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Standard sheets of printer paper do not vary in the amount of wood pulp that they contain. Twenty-five percent of the wood pulp contained in a certain class of sheets of standard printer paper (Class B) was recycled from used sheets of standard printer paper of a different class (Class A). Since all Class A sheets were recycled into Class B sheets and since the amount of material other than wood pulp in a sheet of standard printer paper is negligible, it follows that Class B contains 4 times as many sheets of paper as Class A.
The conclusion of the argument follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
Standard sheets of printer paper do not vary in the amount of wood pulp that they contain. Twenty-five percent of the wood pulp contained in a certain class of sheets of standard printer paper (Class B) was recycled from used sheets of standard printer paper of a different class (Class A). Since all Class A sheets were recycled into Class B sheets and since the amount of material other than wood pulp in a sheet of standard printer paper is negligible, it follows that Class B contains 4 times as many sheets of paper as Class A.
The conclusion of the argument follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
Since 25 percent of wood pulp in the Class B sheets comes from recycled Class A sheets, the maximum number of Class B sheets is 4 times the number of Class A sheets. However, the correct answer correctly notices that the maximum number of Class B sheets can be produced only if all pulp from the Class A sheets can be recovered through recycling; if less than all of the pulp can be recovered, the actual number of Class B sheets produced will fall short of the maximum. For example, if there were 100 Class A sheets recycled, but only 25 percent of pulp could be recovered through recycling, only 100 Class B sheets could be produced.
Since 25 percent of wood pulp in the Class B sheets comes from recycled Class A sheets, the maximum number of Class B sheets is 4 times the number of Class A sheets. However, the correct answer correctly notices that the maximum number of Class B sheets can be produced only if all pulp from the Class A sheets can be recovered through recycling; if less than all of the pulp can be recovered, the actual number of Class B sheets produced will fall short of the maximum. For example, if there were 100 Class A sheets recycled, but only 25 percent of pulp could be recovered through recycling, only 100 Class B sheets could be produced.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Soccer players are faster than baseball players because soccer players use more strenuous training programs. Baseball players should use the same training programs as soccer players to become more athletic. More athletic players will be more successful.
Which of the following, if assumed, would allow the conclusion above to be properly drawn?
Soccer players are faster than baseball players because soccer players use more strenuous training programs. Baseball players should use the same training programs as soccer players to become more athletic. More athletic players will be more successful.
Which of the following, if assumed, would allow the conclusion above to be properly drawn?
The argument asserts that different training programs cause soccer players to be faster than baseball players. The next assertion is that baseball players would become more athletic if they used training programs of soccer players. This only follows if becoming faster necessarily makes one more athletic.
The argument asserts that different training programs cause soccer players to be faster than baseball players. The next assertion is that baseball players would become more athletic if they used training programs of soccer players. This only follows if becoming faster necessarily makes one more athletic.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
It is important that each driver have an insurance policy before driving on the road. Otherwise, people may not be compensated when they are injured in car accidents. Everyone injured in accidents deserves to be compensated.
The argument assumes which of the following?
It is important that each driver have an insurance policy before driving on the road. Otherwise, people may not be compensated when they are injured in car accidents. Everyone injured in accidents deserves to be compensated.
The argument assumes which of the following?
If injured people might not be compensated even if every driver has insurance, then the argument's conclusion does not follow.
If injured people might not be compensated even if every driver has insurance, then the argument's conclusion does not follow.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The production of pencil sharpeners can no longer be profitable. This is because various factors have decreased demand for pencil sharpeners. First, pens are used far more than they once were. Second, those who use pencils often use mechanical pencils. Finally, increased use of electronics has decreased the need for handwriting. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
The production of pencil sharpeners can no longer be profitable. This is because various factors have decreased demand for pencil sharpeners. First, pens are used far more than they once were. Second, those who use pencils often use mechanical pencils. Finally, increased use of electronics has decreased the need for handwriting. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
The argument's assertion is that production of pencil sharpeners cannot be profitable. The argument does not link this assertion to the rest of the argument, however. Instead, it supports the claim that demand has decreased. The argument assumes that decreased demand has made production of pencil sharpeners unprofitable.
The argument's assertion is that production of pencil sharpeners cannot be profitable. The argument does not link this assertion to the rest of the argument, however. Instead, it supports the claim that demand has decreased. The argument assumes that decreased demand has made production of pencil sharpeners unprofitable.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The campaign for increased care of the environment is doomed to fail. At this point, nothing can be done to prevent the melting of polar ice caps. The melting would continue even if all conduct harmful to the environment ended today. It is simply too late to stop the inevitable melting.
Which of the following must be assumed in order for the conclusion to be properly drawn?
The campaign for increased care of the environment is doomed to fail. At this point, nothing can be done to prevent the melting of polar ice caps. The melting would continue even if all conduct harmful to the environment ended today. It is simply too late to stop the inevitable melting.
Which of the following must be assumed in order for the conclusion to be properly drawn?
The passage asserts that the campaign for increased care of the environment is doomed to fail. The passage demonstrates, however, only that ice caps will melt despite the campaign. The argument's conclusion is only properly drawn if melting ice caps necessarily means that the campaign has failed.
The passage asserts that the campaign for increased care of the environment is doomed to fail. The passage demonstrates, however, only that ice caps will melt despite the campaign. The argument's conclusion is only properly drawn if melting ice caps necessarily means that the campaign has failed.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The business model of internet cafes is no longer capable of success in the United States. This is because the availability of internet has skyrocketed over the past several years. Free wifi is offered in most major coffee shops and stores. Additionally, Americans have mobile devices with plans that provide them with internet access. For those without devices, public libraries also provide computers offering internet access, free of charge.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
The business model of internet cafes is no longer capable of success in the United States. This is because the availability of internet has skyrocketed over the past several years. Free wifi is offered in most major coffee shops and stores. Additionally, Americans have mobile devices with plans that provide them with internet access. For those without devices, public libraries also provide computers offering internet access, free of charge.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
The correct answer is:
Internet cafes do not offer any other services, aside from online access, that would enable them to be profitable.
The crux of the argument is that internet cafes are not successful because the service that they offer -- online access -- is now made available for free by other outlets. However, this argument depends on the assumption that internet cafes do NOT offer any other services that would make them profitable -- such as a community base that would attract clients, or food and beverages that consumers would be interested in buying.
The correct answer is:
Internet cafes do not offer any other services, aside from online access, that would enable them to be profitable.
The crux of the argument is that internet cafes are not successful because the service that they offer -- online access -- is now made available for free by other outlets. However, this argument depends on the assumption that internet cafes do NOT offer any other services that would make them profitable -- such as a community base that would attract clients, or food and beverages that consumers would be interested in buying.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
A law degree is necessary to practice as an attorney. Further, no one who has demonstrated moral turpitude may be admitted to practice law. Consequently, Smith, who was convicted of embezzlement several years ago, cannot be admitted to practice law.
The argument follows logically if which of the following is assumed?
A law degree is necessary to practice as an attorney. Further, no one who has demonstrated moral turpitude may be admitted to practice law. Consequently, Smith, who was convicted of embezzlement several years ago, cannot be admitted to practice law.
The argument follows logically if which of the following is assumed?
To answer this question, it is necessary to realize that the criteria to practice law requires that a person not demonstrate moral turpitude. Therefore, there has to be a link between Smith's embezzlement and the moral turpitude. Therefore, if embezzlement demonstrates moral turpitude, then the argument flows logically.
To answer this question, it is necessary to realize that the criteria to practice law requires that a person not demonstrate moral turpitude. Therefore, there has to be a link between Smith's embezzlement and the moral turpitude. Therefore, if embezzlement demonstrates moral turpitude, then the argument flows logically.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Sports commentator: Miles has received criticism from fans and sportswriters as a second-rate basketball player because he is considered too short and he cannot dribble effectively with his left hand. But this evaluation of Miles’s virtues as a basketball player is unfair, since there have been successful running backs in professional football who are short and who exhibited a strong preference for veering towards the right to evade tacklers.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?
Sports commentator: Miles has received criticism from fans and sportswriters as a second-rate basketball player because he is considered too short and he cannot dribble effectively with his left hand. But this evaluation of Miles’s virtues as a basketball player is unfair, since there have been successful running backs in professional football who are short and who exhibited a strong preference for veering towards the right to evade tacklers.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?
In any assumption question, we must identify what term, concept, or idea is expressed in the evidence that does not appear in the conclusion. In this instance, the evidence concerns football running backs. Therefore, any viable answer choice must refer meaningfully to football. Any answer choice that does not do this should be eliminated. The essence of the argument here involves an assumption that football and basketball are comparable sports. So the correct answer is: Height and left-right preferences have a comparable value in football and basketball.
In any assumption question, we must identify what term, concept, or idea is expressed in the evidence that does not appear in the conclusion. In this instance, the evidence concerns football running backs. Therefore, any viable answer choice must refer meaningfully to football. Any answer choice that does not do this should be eliminated. The essence of the argument here involves an assumption that football and basketball are comparable sports. So the correct answer is: Height and left-right preferences have a comparable value in football and basketball.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
It is wrong to condemn the eating of lobster. Lobsters do not have the kind of cognitive abilities that permits meaningful self-awareness, and that sort of cognitive ability is essential to experience suffering.
The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
It is wrong to condemn the eating of lobster. Lobsters do not have the kind of cognitive abilities that permits meaningful self-awareness, and that sort of cognitive ability is essential to experience suffering.
The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
The assumption must speak to the issue of “experiencing suffering,” since that is the missing term in the conclusion. The correct answer links that new term to the conclusion regarding what humans ought to eat and not eat. Thus, the correct answer is: Only sentient beings that can experience suffering ought to be considered outside the realm of edible food for humans.
The assumption must speak to the issue of “experiencing suffering,” since that is the missing term in the conclusion. The correct answer links that new term to the conclusion regarding what humans ought to eat and not eat. Thus, the correct answer is: Only sentient beings that can experience suffering ought to be considered outside the realm of edible food for humans.
Compare your answer with the correct one above