LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q15: It is not good for a

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if added as a premise to the argument, most helps to justify its conclusion? 

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 it is not good for a university to have class sizes that are very large or very small, or to have professors with teaching loads that are very light or very heavy. The reason provided is that crowded classes and overworked faculty cripple the institution's ability to recruit and retain both qualified students and faculty. In this argument, the premise is that crowded classes and overworked faculty have a negative impact on the university's ability to recruit and retain students and faculty, and the conclusion is that it is not good for a university to have class sizes that are very large or very small, or to have professors with teaching loads that are very light or very heavy.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument might be: "Do very small class sizes and very light teaching loads also have a negative impact on the university's ability to recruit and retain students and faculty?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices. Remember, this is a Strengthen question, so we're looking for the answer choice that, if added as a premise, most helps to justify the conclusion.

a) This answer choice suggests that professors with very light teaching loads focus on research, but it doesn't necessarily imply that this is a negative thing. In fact, it could be seen as a positive aspect for some universities. Therefore, this choice doesn't help to justify the conclusion.

b) This answer choice states that classes with very low numbers of students tend to have a lot of classroom discussion. This is also not necessarily a negative thing and doesn't help to justify the conclusion.

c) This is the correct answer. It states that very small class sizes or very light teaching loads indicate incompetence in classroom instruction. This provides a negative aspect associated with these qualities, helping to justify the conclusion that it is not good for a university to have very small class sizes or very light teaching loads.

d) This answer choice suggests that very small class sizes or very light teaching loads are common in both the worst and the best universities. This doesn't help to justify the conclusion, as it doesn't provide a clear negative aspect associated with these qualities.

e) This answer choice states that professors with very light teaching loads have no more office hours for students than professors with normal teaching loads. This doesn't necessarily imply a negative aspect, as it could mean that they have the same amount of office hours. Therefore, this choice doesn't help to justify the conclusion.

In summary, the correct answer is C, as it provides a negative aspect associated with very small class sizes and very light teaching loads, helping to justify the conclusion that it is not good for a university to have these qualities.