LSAT Explanation PT 36, S3, Q14: We learn to use most of

LSAT Question Stem

The argument depends on assuming which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The argument in the passage can be summarized as follows:

Premise: Most machines are specifically designed for use by nonexperts.

Conclusion: Attaining technological expertise would prepare students for tomorrow's job market no better than a more traditional education stressing verbal and quantitative skills.

The question type is Necessary Assumption, which means we need to find the assumption that the argument depends on. Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) This answer choice is irrelevant because it talks about the number of people receiving traditional education compared to 20 years ago, which doesn't affect the conclusion about the effectiveness of technological expertise in preparing students for the job market.

b) This answer choice is not a necessary assumption because even if expert knowledge of the machines' inner workings sometimes enhances the facility in operating machines designed for use by nonexperts, it doesn't address the job market or the effectiveness of technological expertise in preparing students for it.

c) Correct answer. This assumption is necessary because if most jobs in tomorrow's job market required the ability to operate machines designed for use only by experts, then attaining technological expertise would indeed be more beneficial than a traditional education stressing verbal and quantitative skills.

d) This answer choice is not necessary because the argument doesn't imply that students cannot attain technological expertise and also receive an education that does not neglect verbal and quantitative skills. The argument is only saying that attaining technological expertise wouldn't be more beneficial than a traditional education.

e) This answer choice is not necessary because it doesn't address the job market, and the word "never" is too strong. The argument implies that technological expertise isn't always more important than verbal and quantitative skills, but it doesn't mean it can never be more important.

So, the correct answer is C.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Will most jobs in tomorrow's job market require the ability to operate machines designed for use only by experts?"