LSAT Explanation PT 19, S2, Q16: Motorcoach driver: Professional drivers spend much

LSAT Question Stem

The point at issue between the motorcoach driver and the police officer is whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage and identify the structure. The motorcoach driver presents the following argument:

Premise: Professional drivers spend much more time driving on average than other people and are more competent drivers.

Conclusion: The speed limit on major highways should not be reduced because it would force some competent and law-abiding drivers to break the law.

The police officer then responds with a counter-argument:

Premise: All drivers can drive within the legal speed limit if they wish.

Conclusion: It is not true that reducing the speed limit would be the cause of illegal behavior.

Now, let's identify the question type of the problem. This is a "Point at Issue" question, which means we need to identify the point on which the motorcoach driver and the police officer disagree.

Now, let's look at each answer choice:

a) It would be desirable to reduce the speed limit on major highways.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the police officer's opinion on whether it is desirable to reduce the speed limit is unknown.

b) Professional drivers will drive within the legal speed limit if that limit is reduced.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the police officer's opinion on whether professional drivers will drive within the reduced speed limit is unknown.

c) Reducing the speed limit on major highways would cause some professional drivers to break the law.

- This answer choice is correct because it directly addresses the disagreement between the motorcoach driver and the police officer. The motorcoach driver claims that reducing the speed limit would force some competent drivers to break the law, while the police officer argues that it is not true that reducing the speed limit would cause illegal behavior.

d) Professional drivers are more competent drivers than are other, less experienced drivers.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the police officer's opinion on the competence of professional drivers compared to less experienced drivers is unknown.

e) All drivers wish to drive within the speed limit.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the motorcoach driver's opinion on whether all drivers wish to drive within the speed limit is unknown.

Thus, the correct answer choice is (C): Reducing the speed limit on major highways would cause some professional drivers to break the law.