LSAT Explanation PT 40, S1, Q13: James: Many people claim that the

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most supports Maria's counter to James? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. James argues that since Reade's TV commercials discuss complex campaign issues and Reade is currently the most popular candidate, the voting public must be able to evaluate complex campaign issues. Maria counters James' argument by suggesting that Reade's popularity is due to the voters perceiving him as the most competent and trustworthy candidate, not because of his discussion of complex campaign issues.

In this argument, James' conclusion is that the voting public can evaluate complex campaign issues, while Maria's counter-conclusion is that Reade's popularity is due to being perceived as competent and trustworthy.

A simple example to help understand this argument could be: Imagine a popular ice cream flavor that has a unique and complex mix of ingredients. Some people might argue that the ice cream's popularity is because people can appreciate the complex mix of flavors. However, others might argue that the ice cream is popular simply because it tastes good and people trust the brand, not necessarily because they understand the complexity of the ingredients.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "What is the main reason behind Reade's popularity among voters?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices for the Strengthen question, which asks us to find the statement that most supports Maria's counter to James:

a) Reade's opponents discussing the same issues doesn't necessarily support Maria's argument that Reade's popularity is due to being perceived as competent and trustworthy. This answer choice is incorrect.

b) Reade's opponents charging that Reade oversimplifies complex campaign issues doesn't directly support Maria's argument. It doesn't provide evidence that Reade's popularity is due to being perceived as competent and trustworthy. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) Polling data showing that Reade's popularity will diminish over time doesn't support Maria's argument about the reason for Reade's current popularity. The question is about the cause of Reade's popularity, not its future trajectory. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) Polling data showing that most voters cannot identify Reade's positions on campaign issues directly supports Maria's counter-argument. If most voters don't know Reade's positions, it's less likely that Reade's popularity is due to discussing complex campaign issues. This suggests that another factor, like being perceived as competent and trustworthy, could be the reason for Reade's popularity. This answer choice is correct.

e) Polling data showing that some voters consider Reade competent and trustworthy is too weak to strengthen Maria's argument. "Some" could mean just a few voters, which doesn't provide strong evidence that this is the main reason for Reade's popularity. If the answer choice stated that the majority of voters consider Reade competent and trustworthy, it would have been a stronger option. This answer choice is incorrect.