LSAT Explanation PT 32, S1, Q16: Retailers that excel in neither convenience

LSAT Question Stem

The structure of the reasoning in the argument above is most parallel to that in which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the structure of the argument in the passage. The argument can be summarized as follows:

Premise 1 (P1): Retailers that excel in neither convenience nor variety of merchandise tend not to be very successful.

Premise 2 (P2): Many successful retailers excel in just one of the areas (convenience or variety) and meet competitors' standards for the other.

Conclusion (C): A retailer's success need not depend on excellence in both areas (convenience and variety).

The question type is Parallel, which means we need to find an answer choice that has a similar logical structure to the given argument.

Now, let's evaluate the answer choices:

a) Runners who have only average speed and endurance are unlikely to win long-distance races. Some long-distance champions, however, win by being above average in speed or endurance only; therefore, being above average in both speed and endurance is not necessary.

This answer choice has a similar structure to the passage:

P1: Runners with only average speed and endurance are unlikely to win long-distance races.

P2: Some long-distance champions win by being above average in either speed or endurance, but not both.

C: Being above average in both speed and endurance is not necessary to win long-distance races.

The logical structure of answer choice A matches the passage, making it the correct answer.

b) Bicyclists who have only average speed are unlikely to win short races, but in a long-distance race, such bicyclists can win if they have better-built bicycles than average and better endurance than average. Therefore, most bicycle races are not won by bicyclists with above-average speed.

This answer choice does not match the logical structure of the passage, as it introduces a new factor (better-built bicycles) and concludes with a statement about "most bicycle races," which is different from the conclusion in the passage.

c) Excellence in a particular swimming stroke is not always necessary in order for a swimmer to win a race that requires each swimmer to use several different strokes in sequence, and many swimmers win these races without being the best at any of the strokes. Therefore, anyone who does excel at all the strokes is almost certain to win.

This answer choice also does not match the logical structure of the passage, as it concludes with a statement about the likelihood of winning for those who excel at all the strokes, which is different from the conclusion in the passage.

d) Apples that are neither especially firm nor especially flavorful are unsuitable for baking; yet while flavor is essential for both baking and eating, many flavorful apples that are soft are suitable for eating. Hence, the apples that are best for eating need not be both firm and flavorful.

This answer choice has a scope shift in the conclusion, moving from suitability for baking to being the best for eating. This shift is not present in the passage, making this answer choice incorrect.

e) Most plants that are neither ornamental nor edible are useless and are thus classified as weeds; yet many such plants are useful for purposes other than food or ornamentation, and are thus not classified as weeds. Hence, not all inedible and non-ornamental plants are weeds.

This answer choice deals with classification rather than attributes like the passage does, making it an incorrect choice.

In conclusion, answer choice A is the correct answer, as it has a similar logical structure to the passage.