LSAT Explanation PT 41, S3, Q16: Editorialist: Some people propose that, to

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, would weaken the editorialist's argument EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The editorialist's conclusion is that raising taxes on oil, gasoline, and coal would do more harm than good. This conclusion is based on three premises:

Premise 1: The tax increase would decrease the country's competitiveness.

Premise 2: Many families would be unfairly burdened with higher transportation costs.

Premise 3: The tax increase would reduce the number of energy production jobs.

The question type for this problem is Weaken Except, which means we are looking for the answer choice that does NOT weaken the editorialist's argument. The four incorrect answer choices will weaken the argument in some way.

Now let's evaluate each answer choice.

a) The editorialist's country's budget deficit will decrease if the energy tax increase is implemented, thus benefiting the economy.

This weakens the argument by showing a potential benefit of the tax increase. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

b) Higher gasoline prices tend to lead to a cleaner environment, because people do less nonessential driving.

This also weakens the argument by showing another potential benefit of the tax increase. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

c) The proposed tax increase would be larger for some energy sources than for others.

This answer choice does not weaken the argument, as it does not show any benefits of the tax increase or attack any of the premises. This is the correct answer.

d) Higher gasoline prices will encourage people to carpool, which will reduce individual transportation costs.

This weakens the argument by attacking Premise 2, as it suggests that the burden on families might be reduced through carpooling. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

e) The government would use the increase in tax revenue to create many more jobs than would be lost in the energy production sector.

This weakens the argument by offsetting Premise 3, as it suggests that the job loss in the energy production sector would be compensated by job creation elsewhere. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (c) because it does not weaken the editorialist's argument, while the other answer choices do.