LSAT Explanation PT 42, S2, Q10: In some countries, national planners have

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, would provide the most support for the economists' assertion? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, which means we need to find the answer choice that provides the most support for the economists' assertion.

Let's first break down the passage. The argument begins by discussing how national planners in some countries have tried to address problems caused by increasing urbanization by reducing migration from rural areas. However, some economists suggest an alternative approach: trading goods or services produced by a predominantly urban population to obtain agricultural products that were previously produced domestically. The conclusion of the argument is the economists' assertion that trading goods or services can effectively solve the problems resulting from increasing urbanization.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is the scarcity of agricultural products a major problem caused by urbanization?"

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Government subsidies to urban manufacturers can ease the problems caused by the migration of people from rural to urban areas.

This answer choice weakens the economists' solution by suggesting an alternative approach to mitigating the effects of urbanization. It does not support the economists' assertion, so it is incorrect.

b) All problems that have economic causes must have economic solutions.

This answer misses the point of the argument, which is about the effects of urbanization, not its causes. It doesn't explain why the economists' solution is better than the national planners' solution, so it is incorrect.

c) A scarcity of agricultural products is a central element of many problems created by urbanization.

This answer choice is correct. It provides the necessary link between the scarcity of agricultural products and the problems created by urbanization. Without this connection, the economists' solution would not make sense.

d) Problems associated with migration to cities from rural areas are primarily due to trade imbalances between countries.

Even if trade imbalances are at the root of urbanization, it is unclear how the economists' solution will affect them. This answer choice does not support the economists' assertion, so it is incorrect.

e) Free trade policies can exacerbate the problems caused by increasing urbanization.

This answer choice weakens the economists' solution by suggesting that their approach may be flawed. It does not support the economists' assertion, so it is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (c) because it provides the necessary link between the scarcity of agricultural products and the problems created by urbanization, thus supporting the economists' assertion.