LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q18: Moderate exercise lowers the risk of

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is a Sufficient Assumption question, which means we are looking for the missing piece that, when added to the argument, guarantees that the conclusion will follow logically. Let's break down the argument and then analyze each answer choice.

Argument Structure:

1. Moderate exercise lowers the risk of blockage of the arteries due to blood clots.

2. Anything that lowers blood cholesterol levels also lowers the risk of hardening of the arteries.

3. Lowering the risk of hardening of the arteries lowers the risk of arterial blockage due to blood clots.

4. If the data reported in a recent study are correct, moderate exercise lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Conclusion: Moderate exercise lowers the risk of blockage of the arteries due to blood clots.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) The recent study investigated the relationship between exercise and blood cholesterol levels.

While this answer choice is related to the argument, it does not guarantee the conclusion. What matters is whether the data implies the relationship that moderate exercise lowers blood cholesterol, not whether the study specifically investigated that relationship.

b) Blockage of the arteries due to blood clots can be prevented.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the conclusion. It does not provide any information about whether moderate exercise prevents the blockage of the arteries.

c) Lowering blood cholesterol levels lowers the risk of blockage of the arteries.

While this answer choice seems related to the argument, it does not guarantee the conclusion because we still do not know whether the data is correct.

d) The data reported in the recent study are correct.

This is the correct answer choice. If we assume that the data is correct, then we know that moderate exercise lowers blood cholesterol levels. This missing piece guarantees that the conclusion will follow logically.

e) Hardening of the arteries increases the risk of blockage of the arteries due to blood clots.

This answer choice negates one of the premises and does not allow the conclusion regarding moderate exercise to be established.

In summary, the correct answer is (d) The data reported in the recent study are correct, as it guarantees that the conclusion will follow logically when added to the argument.