LSAT Explanation PT 28, S1, Q1: A student has taken twelve courses

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that a student has taken twelve courses and received a B in a majority of them. The student is now taking another course and will probably, given her record, receive a B in it. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: The student received a B in a majority of the twelve courses she took.

Conclusion: The student will probably receive a B in the current course she is taking.

This argument is an Argument by Analogy, which compares the student's past performance to her future performance. To strengthen the analogy, we want to find similarities between the past and the present situation. An "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Are there any significant differences between the current course and the previous courses that might affect the student's grade?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is Strengthen, and it asks us to identify the only answer choice that does NOT strengthen the argument.

a) The student previously studied alone but is receiving help from several outstanding students during the present course.

This answer choice introduces a difference in the student's study habits, which could potentially lead to a different outcome (i.e., a higher grade than a B). Therefore, it does not strengthen the argument and is the correct answer.

b) The twelve courses together covered a broad range of subject matter.

This answer choice strengthens the argument by showing that the student has been successful in various subjects, making it more likely that her past performance is a reliable predictor of her performance in the current course, regardless of the subject matter.

c) The student previously studied in the library and continues to do so.

This answer choice emphasizes the similarity in the student's study environment between the past and the present, which strengthens the argument by suggesting that her performance is likely to remain consistent.

d) The student received a B in all but one of the twelve courses.

This answer choice strengthens the argument by emphasizing the consistency of the student's past performance, making it more likely that she will continue to receive a B in the current course.

e) The current course is a continuation of one of the twelve courses in which the student received a B.

This answer choice strengthens the argument by showing a direct connection between the current course and one of the previous courses where the student received a B, making it more likely that her performance in the current course will be similar to her past performance.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it is the only answer choice that does not strengthen the argument.