LSAT Explanation PT 23, S2, Q20: It has recently been found that

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following can properly be concluded from the passage above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. It states that job prospects for college graduates have never been better and are likely to continue improving. Employers didn't realize that the number of students graduating would decrease by 25% over the past ten years, and they hadn't planned for this trend. Furthermore, the number of undergraduates studying high-demand subjects like mathematics and engineering has dropped substantially, and this trend is also expected to continue.

To help you understand this situation, imagine a town with a growing number of job openings in a specific industry, like technology. However, the number of graduates with relevant degrees is decreasing, and fewer students are choosing to study technology-related subjects. This creates a gap between the number of job openings and the number of qualified candidates.

Now, let's look at the question type, which is a Must Be True (MBT) question. We need to find the answer choice that can be properly concluded from the passage.

a) Soon, more graduates are likely to be competing for fewer jobs.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't mention that there will be fewer jobs. It only states that there will be fewer graduates to fill the available positions.

b) Soon, there is likely to be a shortage of graduates to fill certain vacancies.

This answer choice is correct because it aligns with the information in the passage. Since the number of graduates is decreasing and fewer students are studying high-demand subjects, there could be a shortage of graduates to fill certain job vacancies.

c) Employers are aware of changing trends in subjects studied by undergraduates.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't provide any information about employers' awareness of changing trends in subjects studied by undergraduates.

d) Soon, fewer graduates are likely to be competing for fewer available jobs.

This answer choice is incorrect because, while it correctly states that there will be fewer graduates, it incorrectly claims that there will be fewer available jobs. The passage doesn't mention a decrease in job availability.

e) Employers who are well-informed about future trends have anticipated and planned for them.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage specifically states that most employers were not aware of the decreasing number of graduates and hadn't planned for this trend.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it properly reflects the information provided in the passage.