LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q1: Some critics argue that an opera's

LSAT Question Stem

In the argument, the statement that many comic scenes in Mozart's operas open with violin phrases that sound like the squeaking of changing scenery is offered in support of the claim that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the relationship between an opera's stage directions and its music. Some critics argue that stage directions are never reflected in the music. The passage then provides evidence from Mozart's operas, where many comic scenes open with violin phrases that sound like the squeaking of changing scenery. This observation leads to the conclusion that stage directions can be reflected in the music.

Here's the structure of the argument:

1. Premise: Critics argue that stage directions are never reflected in an opera's music.

2. Premise: Many comic scenes in Mozart's operas open with violin phrases that sound like the squeaking of changing scenery.

3. Conclusion: Stage directions can be reflected in an opera's music.

The question type is an Argument Part question, which asks us to identify the claim that the statement about Mozart's comic scenes is being used to support. Now, let's go through the answer choices:

A) A change of scenery is the stage direction most frequently reflected in an opera's music.

- This choice is incorrect because the passage does not state that a change of scenery is the most frequent stage direction reflected in the music. It only provides an example from Mozart's operas where this occurs.

B) An opera's stage directions are never reflected in its music.

- This choice is incorrect because it contradicts the conclusion of the argument. The passage argues that stage directions can be reflected in the music, not that they are never reflected.

C) An opera's music can have an effect on the opera's stage directions.

- This choice is incorrect because it suggests a causal relationship between the music and stage directions, which the passage does not discuss. The passage only states that stage directions can be reflected in the music, not that the music affects the stage directions.

D) A variety of stage directions can be reflected in an opera's music.

- This choice is correct because it aligns with the conclusion of the argument. The passage provides an example from Mozart's operas to show that stage directions can be reflected in the music, and this choice generalizes that observation to a variety of stage directions.

E) The most frequent relation between an opera's music and its stage directions is one of musical imitation of the sounds that occur when a direction is carried out.

- This choice is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the most frequent relation between music and stage directions. It only provides an example from Mozart's operas where stage directions are reflected in the music.

Therefore, the correct answer is D.