LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, weakens the resident's argument EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The neighborhood group is protesting the closing of the local recreation center on the grounds that it would leave the neighborhood without local access to a recreation center. One resident complains that their neighborhood already has the most residents per center of any neighborhood in the city, and closing the center would make the situation unacceptable since access to recreational facilities is a necessity for this neighborhood. In this argument, the premise is that the neighborhood already has the most residents per center and that access to recreational facilities is necessary. The conclusion is that closing the center would make the situation unacceptable.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be, "Is the local recreation center significantly used by the neighborhood's residents?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is a Weaken question, and we are asked to find the answer choice that does NOT weaken the resident's argument.

a) A large number of the neighborhood's residents are unable to travel outside their locality to gain access to recreational facilities.

This answer choice actually strengthens the resident's argument because it emphasizes the importance of having a local recreation center for those who cannot travel outside their locality. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

b) Children, the main users of recreational facilities, make up a disproportionately small segment of the neighborhood's population.

This answer choice weakens the argument by suggesting that the local recreation center may not be as necessary as the resident claims, since children, who are the main users of such facilities, are a small part of the neighborhood's population.

c) Often the recreation center in the neighborhood is open but not being used.

This answer choice weakens the argument by suggesting that the local recreation center may not be as necessary as the resident claims, since it is often open but not being used.

d) Programs that are routinely filled at other recreation centers must be canceled at the neighborhood's recreation center due to lack of interest.

This answer choice weakens the argument by suggesting that the local recreation center may not be as necessary as the resident claims, since programs that are popular in other centers are not popular in the neighborhood's recreation center.

e) As people become more involved in computers and computer games, recreation centers are becoming increasingly less important.

This answer choice weakens the argument by contradicting the premise that access to recreational facilities is a necessity, suggesting that the importance of recreation centers is declining.

In summary, the correct answer is A, as it does not weaken the resident's argument and even strengthens it by emphasizing the importance of having a local recreation center for those who cannot travel outside their locality.