LSAT Explanation PT 23, S3, Q14: Funding opponent: Some people favor city

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, strengthens the argument of the funding opponent EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The funding opponent is arguing against city funding for spaying and neutering pets at the owners' request. The opponent's conclusion is that providing this funding will not significantly decrease the number of stray animals in the city. The premise supporting this conclusion is that over 80 percent of pet owners already pay to spay or neuter their animals.

To better understand this argument, let's use a simple example. Imagine a city with 100 pet owners, and 80 of them already spay or neuter their pets. The funding opponent argues that providing funding to cover the costs of spaying and neutering for the remaining 20 pet owners will not significantly decrease the number of stray animals in the city.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Are the remaining 20 pet owners who do not spay or neuter their pets contributing to the stray animal population?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. This is a Strengthen, Except question, which means we need to find the answer choice that does not strengthen the funding opponent's argument.

a) This answer choice strengthens the argument because if very few stray animals come from pets, then providing funding to spay or neuter pets will not have a significant impact on the number of stray animals.

b) Correct answer. This choice does not strengthen the argument. In fact, it suggests that providing funding might encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets sooner, which could potentially decrease the number of stray animals.

c) This answer choice strengthens the argument because if the only way to decrease the number of stray animals is by spaying or neutering existing strays, then providing funding for pet owners to spay or neuter their pets will not affect the stray animal population.

d) This answer choice strengthens the argument because if most pet owners who do not spay or neuter their pets believe it is morally wrong, then providing funding will not change their minds or behavior, and thus will not impact the stray animal population.

e) This answer choice strengthens the argument because if the majority of unspayed or unneutered pets are used for breeding purposes and are not likely to produce stray animals, then providing funding for spaying and neutering pets will not have a significant impact on the number of stray animals.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it does not strengthen the funding opponent's argument.