LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q21: Sarah: Some schools seek to foster

LSAT Question Stem

Paul responds to Sarah's argument using which one of the following argumentative techniques? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Sarah presents her argument as follows:

Premise 1: A person who has been forced to do something has not really volunteered.

Premise 2: The habit of volunteering cannot be said to have been fostered in a person who has not yet volunteered for anything.

Conclusion: There is no way the policy of requiring students to perform community service can succeed by itself in fostering a habit of volunteering.

Paul's response to Sarah's argument is as follows:

Premise: Some students forced to perform community service have enjoyed it so much that they subsequently actually volunteer to do something similar.

Conclusion: In such cases, the policy can clearly be said to have fostered a habit of volunteering.

The question type is Method of Reasoning (MOR), asking us to identify the argumentative technique that Paul uses to respond to Sarah's argument.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) He argues that Sarah is assuming just what she sets out to prove.

This choice is incorrect because Paul is not saying that Sarah is assuming her conclusion. Instead, he's providing an example that challenges one of her assumptions.

b) He argues that Sarah's conception of what it means to volunteer excludes certain activities that ought to be considered instances of volunteering.

This choice is incorrect because Paul does not discuss any specific activities or redefine what it means to volunteer. He simply provides a counterexample to Sarah's argument.

c) He introduces considerations that call into question one of Sarah's assumptions.

This is the correct answer. Paul introduces the consideration that some students forced to perform community service may later choose to volunteer, which calls into question Sarah's assumption that the policy cannot foster a habit of volunteering.

d) He questions Sarah's motives for advancing an argument against the school policy.

This choice is incorrect because Paul does not address Sarah's motives at all. He focuses on the substance of her argument, not her reasons for making it.

e) He argues that a policy Sarah fails to consider could accomplish the same aim as the policy that Sarah considers.

This choice is incorrect because Paul does not suggest an alternative policy. He addresses the policy that Sarah is discussing and provides a counterexample to her argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice C, as Paul introduces considerations that call into question one of Sarah's assumptions.