LSAT Explanation PT 42, S4, Q3: Teacher: Participating in organized competitive athletics

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the teacher's argument by the assertion that participating in organized competitive athletics may increase a child's strength and coordination? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The teacher's argument can be summarized as follows:

1. Premise: Participating in organized competitive athletics may increase a child's strength and coordination.

2. Premise: However, it also instills a feeling of inferiority in children who are not already well developed in these respects.

3. Premise: Research has shown that adults with feelings of inferiority become more successful than those free of such anxieties.

4. Conclusion: Funding for children's athletic programs should not be eliminated.

The question type here is Argument Part, and it asks us to identify the role played by the assertion in the teacher's argument that participating in organized competitive athletics may increase a child's strength and coordination.

Now let's go through each answer choice:

a) It is mentioned as one possible reason for adopting a policy for which the teacher suggests an additional reason.

This answer choice accurately describes the role of the assertion. The assertion is mentioned as one possible reason (increasing a child's strength and coordination) to support the conclusion (not eliminating funding for children's athletic programs). The teacher also provides an additional reason (adults with feelings of inferiority become more successful) to support the conclusion.

b) It is a claim that the teacher attempts to refute with counterarguments.

This answer choice is incorrect because the teacher does not attempt to refute the assertion. Instead, the teacher uses the assertion as a premise to support the conclusion.

c) It is a hypothesis for which the teacher offers additional evidence.

This answer choice is incorrect because the teacher does not offer additional evidence for the assertion. The teacher provides additional reasons to support the conclusion, but not additional evidence for the assertion itself.

d) It is cited as an insufficient reason for eliminating funding for children's athletic programs.

This answer choice is incorrect because the assertion is not portrayed as a reason for eliminating funding. Instead, it is presented as a reason to support the conclusion that funding should not be eliminated.

e) It is cited as an objection that has been raised to the position that the teacher is supporting.

This answer choice is incorrect because the assertion is not an objection to the teacher's position. The assertion is a premise that supports the teacher's conclusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. The assertion that participating in organized competitive athletics may increase a child's strength and coordination is mentioned as one possible reason for adopting a policy (not eliminating funding for children's athletic programs) for which the teacher suggests an additional reason (adults with feelings of inferiority become more successful).