LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to strengthen the 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 first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the development of a synthetic ivory that has gained approval from concert pianists. However, it concludes that this development will probably not do much to help curb the killing of elephants for their tusks because piano makers have never been major consumers of ivory. Here's the structure of the argument:

Premise: Piano makers have never been major consumers of ivory.

Conclusion: The development of synthetic ivory will probably do little to help curb the killing of elephants.

To better understand this argument, let's use a simple example. Imagine there's a new type of vegetarian burger that tastes like real meat. However, the majority of meat consumption comes from people who eat steak, not burgers. So, even though the vegetarian burger tastes like real meat, it probably won't significantly decrease the overall consumption of meat.

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Is there a major consumer of ivory other than piano makers?" The answer to this question would help determine whether the argument is valid or not.

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, which means we're looking for an answer choice that supports the argument. Let's go through each answer choice:

a) Most people who play the piano but are not concert pianists can nonetheless easily distinguish between the new synthetic ivory and inferior ivory substitutes.

- This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument. We already know that the synthetic ivory is favored by concert pianists, so it doesn't matter if other piano players can distinguish between the synthetic ivory and inferior substitutes.

b) The new synthetic ivory can be manufactured to resemble in color and surface texture any of the various types of natural ivory that have commercial uses.

- This answer choice is also irrelevant. We already know that the synthetic ivory is favored by concert pianists, so it doesn't matter if it resembles natural ivory in color and texture.

c) Other natural products such as bone or tortoise shell have not proven to be acceptable substitutes for natural ivory in piano keys.

- This answer choice doesn't help the argument. It explains why synthetic ivory may have been developed, but it doesn't provide a reason for us to think that the switch to synthetic ivory will not have an effect on the illegal ivory trade.

d) The most common use for natural ivory is in ornamental carvings, which are prized not only for the quality of their workmanship but also for the authenticity of their materials.

- This is the correct answer. It strengthens the argument by identifying a major consumer of ivory (ornamental carvings) and suggesting that synthetic ivory might not be used in this market, which means the development of synthetic ivory will probably not do much to help curb the killing of elephants.

e) It costs significantly less to produce the new synthetic ivory than it does to produce any of the ivory substitutes that scientists had developed previously.

- This answer choice is irrelevant. We already know that the synthetic ivory is favored by concert pianists, so it doesn't matter if it costs less to produce than other substitutes.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it strengthens the argument by identifying a major consumer of ivory and suggesting that synthetic ivory might not be used in that market, supporting the conclusion that the development of synthetic ivory will probably not do much to help curb the killing of elephants.