LSAT Explanation PT 40, S1, Q15: Marta: There have been complaints about
LSAT Question Stem
Arthur's criticism suggests that he interpreted Marta to be
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Misc question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is D.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
In this passage, Marta mentions that there have been complaints about the lack of recreational areas in the city and acknowledges the proposal to turn the old railway land into walking trails. However, she suggests that there might be more productive ways to use the land. Arthur responds by emphasizing that the old railway land is ideal for walking trails and that the proposal should not be dismissed without further consideration.
The question type for this problem is Must Be True (MBT). We are asked to identify what Arthur's criticism suggests he interpreted Marta to be saying.
Let's go through the answer choices:
Answer choice (A): Arthur did not interpret Marta as saying that converting the old railway land into walking trails would be entirely unproductive. Marta merely pointed out that there might be more productive ways to use the land. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): Although Marta may favor other recreational areas, neither speaker specifically addresses this in their conversation. Arthur's criticism does not suggest that he interpreted Marta as favoring other recreational areas. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): Arthur's criticism does not suggest that he interpreted Marta as assuming the complaints about the shortage of recreational areas are ill-founded. Both speakers seem to agree on the existence of these complaints; their disagreement lies in how to address them. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): Arthur's criticism does suggest that he interpreted Marta as recommending that the proposal for converting the old railway land into walking trails should be promptly dismissed. He emphasizes that the proposal should not be dismissed without further consideration. This answer choice is correct.
Answer choice (E): Neither speaker discusses the feasibility of converting the old railway land into walking trails. Arthur's criticism does not suggest that he interpreted Marta as asserting that it may not be possible to do so. This answer choice is incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct answer is choice (D), as Arthur's criticism suggests that he interpreted Marta as recommending that the proposal for converting the old railway land into walking trails should be promptly dismissed.