LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, provides the most support for the recommendation made by the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the argument in the passage and identify its structure. The argument discusses two anticounterfeiting techniques: microprinting and the special ink. The author presents the following premises:

1. Microprinting can be easily detected by experts but often circulates widely before being detected.

2. The special ink would allow anyone to detect counterfeit currency easily.

Based on these premises, the author concludes that the special ink should be adopted instead of microprinting, despite the expense.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "What are the additional costs or benefits associated with each anticounterfeiting technique?"

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, which means we need to find the answer choice that provides the most support for the recommendation made by the argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) This answer choice strengthens the argument by pointing out that there is an additional cost associated with microprinting, which is the cost of inspection by experts. This makes the special ink technique more appealing, as it doesn't require expert inspection and can be detected by anyone.

b) This answer choice is incorrect because it doesn't provide any information that would support the recommendation to adopt the special ink technique over microprinting. It simply states a general principle about anticounterfeiting techniques, but doesn't differentiate between the two techniques discussed in the passage.

c) This answer choice is also incorrect because it doesn't strengthen the argument for adopting the special ink technique. The fact that microprinting involves fewer steps doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective or less costly than the special ink technique.

d) This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument because it discusses the history of counterfeiting before photocopying technology existed. It doesn't provide any information that would support the recommendation to adopt the special ink technique over microprinting.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because it actually weakens the argument for adopting the special ink technique. If many criminals don't have access to advanced photocopiers, then microprinted currency might not be as vulnerable to counterfeiting as the passage suggests. This would make the special ink technique less necessary.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it strengthens the argument by pointing out an additional cost associated with microprinting, making the special ink technique more appealing despite its expense.