LSAT Explanation PT 32, S4, Q20: Dana: It is wrong to think

LSAT Question Stem

The conversation lends the most support to the claim that Dana and Pat disagree on which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. Dana and Pat are discussing the use of educational methods for children. Dana believes that educational methods should be tailored to each child's accustomed style of learning, arguing that some children learn better through group activities due to their upbringing in communal environments. This is Dana's conclusion, and the premise is that many children have been raised in more communal environments. On the other hand, Pat disagrees with Dana's conclusion, arguing that not always should a child's accustomed style of learning dictate the method used. Pat believes that the flexibility of being able to work individually or in a group is invaluable in today's world, where both skills are in demand. This is Pat's conclusion.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Disagree question, and we need to find the answer choice that Dana and Pat disagree on the most.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) All children can learn valuable skills from individual activities.

- Dana might disagree with this statement, but we can't be sure about Pat's stance on this. Pat's argument focuses on the importance of flexibility in learning, not specifically on the value of individual activities. So, we can't conclude that this is the point of disagreement.

b) All children should learn to adapt to various educational methods.

- Dana would disagree with this statement, as she believes that educational methods should be tailored to each child's learning style. Pat, on the other hand, would agree with this statement, as she emphasizes the importance of flexibility in learning. Therefore, this is the point of disagreement between Dana and Pat.

c) Many children would learn better through group, rather than individual, activities.

- Dana would agree with this statement, but we can't be sure about Pat's stance. Pat's argument is centered on flexibility, not specifically on group activities. So, we can't conclude that this is the point of disagreement.

d) The main purpose of education is to prepare children to meet the demands of the job market as adults.

- Neither Dana nor Pat directly addresses this point in their arguments. So, we can't conclude that this is the point of disagreement.

e) It is sometimes desirable to tailor educational methods to the way a child learns best.

- Dana would agree with this statement, as she believes that educational methods should always be tailored to a child's learning style. However, Pat would not necessarily disagree with this statement, as she argues for flexibility in learning, which could involve tailoring educational methods in some cases. So, we can't conclude that this is the point of disagreement.

Based on the analysis of the answer choices, the correct answer is B. Dana and Pat disagree the most on whether all children should learn to adapt to various educational methods.