LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q7: Consumers will be hurt by the

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if assumed, would do most to justify the claim that the price of halibut will increase? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption 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 passage states that consumers will be hurt by the new lower ceilings on halibut catches, and this is due to the law of supply and demand, which is likely to result in an increase in the price of the fish. The conclusion of the argument is that the price of halibut will increase. The premise is that there are new lower ceilings on halibut catches.

To help you understand the law of supply and demand, let's consider a simple example. Imagine there is a limited number of apples in a market. If many people want to buy apples, the price of apples will go up because the supply is limited. On the other hand, if fewer people want to buy apples, the price will go down because there is less demand for the limited supply.

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Will the demand for halibut remain constant or increase after the new restrictions are imposed?"

The question type for this problem is a Sufficient Assumption question, which asks us to find the answer choice that, if assumed, would do the most to justify the claim that the price of halibut will increase. Let's discuss each answer choice:

a) The demand for halibut will not decrease substantially after the new restrictions are imposed.

This answer choice strengthens the argument by eliminating an alternate cause (a decrease in demand) that could lead to an increase in the price of halibut. If the demand for halibut remains constant or increases, the lower supply due to the new restrictions would likely result in a price increase. This is the correct answer.

b) There is a connection between the supply of halibut and the demand for it.

This answer choice is incorrect because it does not specify what the connection is or how strong it is. The argument already acknowledges the law of supply and demand, so this answer choice does not provide any new information that would strengthen the argument.

c) The lost production of halibut will not be replaced by increased production of other fish.

This answer choice is irrelevant because it focuses on the production of other fish, which does not directly impact the price of halibut. The argument is concerned with the price of halibut, not the overall production of fish.

d) The demand for other fish will be affected by the new restrictions.

This answer choice is also irrelevant because it focuses on the demand for other fish. The argument is concerned with the price of halibut, not the demand for other fish.

e) The amount of halibut consumed represents a very small proportion of all fish consumed.

This answer choice weakens the argument, as it suggests that there might be less demand for halibut, making it less likely that the price would increase.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it strengthens the argument by eliminating an alternate cause that could impact the price of halibut and justifies the claim that the price of halibut will increase.