LSAT Explanation PT 24, S2, Q13: Carl's Coffee Emporium stocks only two

LSAT Question Stem

The argument above is most similar in its logical structure to which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage presents a situation at Carl's Coffee Emporium, where there are only two decaffeinated coffee options: French Roast and Mocha Java. Yusef only serves decaffeinated coffee and the coffee he served last night was too smooth and mellow to be French Roast. The argument concludes that if Yusef still gets his coffee from Carl's, then he must have served Mocha Java last night. The structure of this argument is:

1. There are only two options (French Roast and Mocha Java) - Premise

2. One option is not possible (French Roast) - Premise

3. Therefore, it must be the other option (Mocha Java) - Conclusion

The question type is a Parallel question, which asks us to identify the answer choice with a logical structure most similar to the passage's argument.

Now, let's evaluate the answer choices:

a) This answer choice presents two options (sedan and convertible), but it doesn't eliminate one of them. Instead, it provides a reason for choosing the convertible over the sedan. This doesn't match the structure of the passage's argument, so it's incorrect.

b) This answer choice presents two options (go through the park or take the overpass) but then eliminates both options, stating that Anna never walks to work. This is different from the passage's argument, which eliminates only one option and concludes with the other option. So, this choice is incorrect.

c) This answer choice presents two options (two-week vacation in July or three-week vacation in October) but fails to include conditional language in the conclusion. Instead, it states that Rose will certainly not take either vacation option. This doesn't match the structure of the passage's argument, so it's incorrect.

d) This answer choice correctly parallels the passage's argument. It presents two options (job in sales or job in research) and eliminates one option (sales) with a condition (when another job is available). The conclusion states that if Arno accepts one of these jobs, it will be the one in research. This matches the structure of the passage's argument, so it's the correct answer.

e) This answer choice presents two options (fire assistant or don't fire assistant) but both options lead to the same outcome (decline in efficiency). The conclusion states that an alternative solution must be found, rather than concluding that one option must be the correct one if those are the only options. This doesn't match the structure of the passage's argument, so it's incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer is D, as it matches the structure of the passage's argument by presenting two options, eliminating one option with a condition, and concluding with the other option.