LSAT Explanation PT 28, S1, Q15: The town of Springhill frequently must

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that the town of Springhill frequently must declare a water emergency. The author argues that these emergencies could be avoided if Springhill would introduce permanent economic incentives for water conservation. However, the author claims that Springhill's current policy discourages conservation because households pay a modest monthly flat fee for any amount of water below a certain usage threshold, and a substantial per-liter rate only after the threshold is reached. The main conclusion of the argument is that Springhill's policy discourages conservation.

To better understand this argument, let's consider a simple example. Imagine a small town with a similar water policy. They charge a flat fee for water usage up to a certain threshold, and a higher rate for usage above that threshold. If the threshold is set very high, residents have little incentive to conserve water, as they can use a large amount without incurring additional fees. On the other hand, if the threshold is set very low, residents would be more conscious of their water usage to avoid additional fees, thus promoting conservation.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is the usage threshold in Springhill set at a level that encourages or discourages water conservation?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. This is a Strengthen question, which asks us to identify the answer choice that most strengthens the argument.

a) This answer choice discusses the enforcement of water emergency laws, which is not directly related to the argument about Springhill's policy discouraging conservation. While it may indicate a problem in Springhill, it does not strengthen the argument about the threshold and water conservation.

b) The fact that the town council recently refused to raise the threshold doesn't provide any information about whether the current threshold encourages or discourages conservation. It only tells us about a recent decision, not the actual level of the threshold.

c) Correct answer. This choice strengthens the argument by stating that the threshold is high enough to exceed the water requirements of most households in Springhill. This means that most households can use as much water as they need, or even more, without passing the threshold and incurring additional fees. This supports the conclusion that Springhill's policy discourages conservation.

d) Comparing Springhill's threshold to neighboring towns doesn't provide any information about whether Springhill's threshold encourages or discourages conservation. We don't know the levels of the neighboring towns' thresholds, so this doesn't help us evaluate Springhill's policy.

e) This answer choice focuses on the process of changing the threshold, which is not relevant to the argument about whether the current threshold encourages or discourages conservation.

In conclusion, answer choice C strengthens the argument by providing evidence that the usage threshold in Springhill is set at a level that discourages water conservation.