LSAT Explanation PT 26, S2, Q7: Speakers of the Caronian language constitute

LSAT Question Stem

The argument relies on which one of the following assumptions? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage:

Premise 1: Caronian-speakers live in several, widely scattered areas that cannot be united within a single continuous boundary while at the same time allowing Caronian-speakers to be the majority population.

Conclusion: The recommendation to grant autonomy to regions where Caronian-speakers live as an independent nation cannot be satisfied.

The argument's structure is a simple premise leading to a conclusion. The argument assumes that for the recommendation to be satisfied, the Caronian-speaking regions must be united within a single continuous boundary.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is it necessary for a nation to have a single continuous boundary in order for the recommendation to be satisfied?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices. Remember that this is a Necessary Assumption question, so we are looking for an assumption that the argument relies on.

a) This answer choice talks about a nation that once existed where Caronian-speakers were the majority. However, this information is irrelevant to the current situation and the conclusion of the argument. Whether or not such a nation existed in the past does not affect the argument's conclusion.

b) This answer choice discusses the perception of Caronian-speakers as a single community. However, this perception is not relevant to the argument's conclusion, which is about the feasibility of creating a nation with a single continuous boundary. The perception of Caronian-speakers does not affect the argument's conclusion.

c) This is the correct answer. The argument assumes that the recommendation would not be satisfied if the nation were formed of disconnected regions. If this assumption were not true, the conclusion would be weakened, as it might be possible to satisfy the recommendation even with disconnected regions.

d) This answer choice talks about the citizenship of the new Caronian nation. However, the argument's conclusion is about the feasibility of creating a nation with a single continuous boundary, not about the citizenship of the new nation. This information does not affect the argument's conclusion.

e) This answer choice discusses the fact that several different languages are spoken in most nations. However, this information is not relevant to the argument's conclusion, which is about the feasibility of creating a Caronian-speaking nation with a single continuous boundary. The languages spoken in other nations do not affect the argument's conclusion.

In summary, the correct answer is C, as it is the necessary assumption that the argument relies on. The argument assumes that the recommendation would not be satisfied if the nation were formed of disconnected regions, and this assumption is crucial for the conclusion to be valid.