LSAT Explanation PT 39, S2, Q17: Columnist: Over the last 20 years

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is an assumption required by the columnist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption 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 columnist discusses the automotive trade imbalance between North America and Japan, noting that the demand for Japanese-made cars in North America has increased, while the demand for North American-made cars in Japan has remained stagnant. The columnist then attributes this imbalance to the fact that Japanese cars used to have superior fuel efficiency and reliability, but now North American cars have caught up in those aspects. The columnist concludes that one obstacle to reducing the automotive trade imbalance can be removed if North American manufacturers produce more cars with right-side steering wheels since the Japanese drive on the left side of the road.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

- Premise: Japanese demand for North American-made automobiles has been stagnant.

- Premise: North American cars now have equal fuel efficiency and reliability as Japanese models.

- Premise: The Japanese drive on the left side of the road.

- Conclusion: Producing more right-side steering wheel cars will help reduce the automotive trade imbalance.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do Japanese consumers consider the side of the steering wheel when deciding which car to purchase?"

Now, let's examine the answer choices. The question type is Necessary Assumption, which means we're looking for an assumption required by the columnist's argument.

a) The fuel efficiency and reliability of cars made in North America will continue to increase.

- This answer choice is not necessary for the argument. The argument states that North American cars are already equal in fuel efficiency and reliability to Japanese models. The assumption that they will continue to increase is not required for the argument to hold.

b) If the Japanese drive on the left side of the road, then they are not inclined to buy cars with left-side steering wheels.

- This answer choice is correct. The argument assumes that Japanese consumers prefer cars with right-side steering wheels due to driving on the left side of the road. This assumption is necessary for the conclusion that producing more right-side steering wheel cars will help reduce the trade imbalance.

c) Japanese automotive safety standards require that all new domestic automobiles have right-side steering wheels.

- This answer choice is not necessary for the argument. The argument does not rely on safety standards, but rather on the preference of Japanese consumers.

d) Given a choice between similar Japanese and North American models, all with right-side steering wheels, most Japanese would choose the North American model.

- This answer choice is not necessary for the argument. The argument does not require that most Japanese would choose the North American model, only that producing more right-side steering wheel cars would help reduce the trade imbalance. It's possible that even a small increase in preference for North American cars could help reduce the imbalance.

e) The automotive trade imbalance can be lessened only if North American manufacturers produce automobiles that more effectively meet the needs of Japanese buyers.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it is too strong and not required for the argument. The argument does not claim that producing more right-side steering wheel cars is the only way to lessen the trade imbalance, just that it is one way to help reduce it.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it is the necessary assumption required by the columnist's argument.