LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q3: In speech, when words or sentences

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following statements is most strongly supported by the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and summarize any parts that may be unclear or confusing. The passage discusses how, in speech, people use gestures and tone of voice to convey the intended meaning of ambiguous words or sentences. However, writers cannot use these tools and must rely on their writing style to convey their intended meaning. The reader must then interpret the writer's intention based on the arrangement of words and sentences.

To help clarify this concept, let's use a simple example. Imagine a person saying the phrase "I can't believe it" with a tone of excitement and a wide smile. The listener would understand that the speaker is excited or happy about something. In writing, the author might use exclamation points, descriptive words, or specific phrasing to convey that same excitement.

Now that we have a better understanding of the passage, let's discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question, which means we need to identify the answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.

Let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) The primary function of style in writing is to augment the literal meanings of the words and sentences used.

While style does play a role in conveying the intended meaning, the passage doesn't specifically state that this is the primary function of style in writing. This answer choice might be tempting, but it's not the strongest choice.

b) The intended meaning of a piece of writing is indicated in part by the writer's arrangement of words and sentences.

This answer choice directly aligns with the information provided in the passage, which states that writers rely on style (i.e., the arrangement of words and sentences) to convey their intended meaning. This is the correct answer.

c) It is easier for a listener to detect the tone of a speaker than for a reader to detect the style of a writer.

The passage does not provide any information about the ease of detecting tone versus style. Thus, we cannot conclude that this statement is strongly supported by the passage.

d) A writer's intention will always be interpreted differently by different readers.

While it's possible that different readers may interpret a writer's intention differently, the passage does not provide any information to support the idea that this will always happen. This answer choice is not strongly supported by the passage.

e) The writer's arrangement of words and sentences completely determines the aesthetic value of his or her writing.

The passage focuses on the role of style in conveying the intended meaning, not on the aesthetic value of writing. This answer choice is not supported by the passage.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B: "The intended meaning of a piece of writing is indicated in part by the writer's arrangement of words and sentences." This answer choice is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.