LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the author's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's begin by summarizing and analyzing the argument in the passage. The passage states that, during the early development of a new product line, talent is crucial. It claims that new marketing ventures require a high level of managerial skill, but talented managers are typically assigned to established high-revenue product lines. As a result, most new marketing ventures fail. The author concludes that the best managers should be assigned to development projects.

In this argument, we have two premises:

1. New marketing ventures require a high level of managerial skill.

2. Talented managers are usually assigned to established high-revenue product lines.

And one conclusion:

- The best managers should be assigned to development projects.

Now, let's think of an "Evaluate" question for this argument:

- "Would the established high-revenue product lines continue to perform well if the best managers were assigned to development projects?"

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, and we are asked to find the answer choice that strengthens the author's argument.

Answer Choice Explanations:

a) This answer choice suggests that the level of management does not significantly impact the success of new ventures, which weakens the argument. It implies that even if the best managers were assigned to development projects, it might not make a difference in their success.

b) The proportion of total expenditure taken up by new product lines is not directly relevant to the argument. This answer choice does not provide any information about the effectiveness of assigning the best managers to development projects.

c) This answer choice weakens the argument by suggesting that talented managers may not be interested in working on new product lines. If this is true, assigning the best managers to development projects might not be an effective strategy.

d) This is the correct answer choice. It strengthens the argument by addressing the "Evaluate" question we identified earlier. If the established high-revenue product lines can maintain their performance without the best managers, then reallocating those managers to development projects would not harm the company's overall performance.

e) This answer choice does not directly address the issue of managerial assignment. It tells us that early short-term revenue prospects can predict the success of a product line, but it does not indicate whether assigning the best managers to these projects would increase their chances of success.