LSAT Explanation PT 38, S1, Q18: In order to determine automobile insurance

LSAT Question Stem

The claim that insurance premiums should increase as the frequency with which a driver drives increases plays which one of the following roles in the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses how insurance companies calculate automobile insurance premiums for drivers based on various risk factors, such as the driver's age and past accident history. However, the author believes that these premiums should also increase with the frequency with which a person drives, as the chance of being involved in a mishap increases in proportion to the number of times a person drives.

The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

1. Premise: Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk factors such as age and accident history.

2. Conclusion: Premiums should also increase with the frequency with which a person drives.

3. Premise: A person's chance of being involved in a mishap increases in proportion to the number of times that person drives.

Now, let's discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is an Argument Part question, which means we need to identify the role of a specific claim in the argument. In this case, we are asked to identify the role of the claim that insurance premiums should increase as the frequency with which a driver drives increases.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) a premise of the argument

While the claim that premiums should increase with the frequency of driving is supported by a premise (a person's chance of being involved in a mishap increases in proportion to the number of times that person drives), the claim itself is not a premise. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

b) the conclusion of the argument

This answer choice is correct. The claim that premiums should increase as the frequency with which a driver drives increases is the main point the author is trying to make, and it is supported by the premises provided in the passage.

c) evidence offered in support of one of the premises

This answer choice is incorrect because the claim in question is not evidence supporting a premise. Instead, it is the conclusion that is supported by the premises.

d) an assertion phrased to preclude an anticipated objection

This answer choice is incorrect because the claim does not seem to be phrased in a way that anticipates an objection. Rather, it is a straightforward statement of the author's belief.

e) a clarification of a key term in the argument

This answer choice is incorrect because the claim does not clarify a key term. Instead, it serves as the conclusion of the argument.

In summary, the correct answer is B, as the claim that insurance premiums should increase as the frequency with which a driver drives increases serves as the conclusion of the argument.