LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q14: Marian Anderson, the famous contralto, did

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion of the argument follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage and identify its structure. The argument has the following structure:

Premise 1: Anyone who has to struggle early in life is able to keep a good perspective on the world.

Premise 2: Anderson had to struggle early in life.

Conclusion: Marian Anderson, the famous contralto, did not take success for granted.

To make this argument more relatable, let's use a simple analogy. Imagine a young athlete who had to work multiple jobs to afford training. This athlete eventually becomes a successful professional. Because of their early struggles, they maintain a grounded perspective and don't take their success for granted.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Is there a direct connection between keeping a good perspective on the world and not taking success for granted?"

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, and we are asked to find the assumption that makes the conclusion follow logically.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Anyone who succeeds takes success for granted.

- This answer choice is too broad and doesn't address the connection between keeping a good perspective on the world and not taking success for granted. It can be eliminated.

b) Anyone who is able to keep a good perspective on the world does not take success for granted.

- This answer choice establishes the needed connection between keeping a good perspective on the world and not taking success for granted. It strengthens the argument and is a strong contender.

c) Anyone who is able to keep a good perspective on the world has to struggle early in life.

- This answer choice reverses the relationship in Premise 1, and it doesn't establish the connection between keeping a good perspective and not taking success for granted. It can be eliminated.

d) Anyone who does not take success for granted has to struggle early in life.

- This answer choice is not directly related to the argument's conclusion and doesn't establish the needed connection. It can be eliminated.

e) Anyone who does not take success for granted is able to keep a good perspective on the world.

- This answer choice is a Mistaken Reversal of the correct answer (B). It doesn't establish the connection needed to strengthen the argument. It can be eliminated.

After analyzing each answer choice, we can conclude that the correct answer is (B). It establishes the connection between keeping a good perspective on the world and not taking success for granted, which strengthens the argument and makes the conclusion follow logically.