LSAT Explanation PT 29, S1, Q12: It is well known that many

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following accurately describes the argumentative strategy employed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage begins with a premise stating that it is usually assumed that only the most highly evolved species alter their environment in ways that aid their own survival. The author then presents a counterexample of plankton, which generates a gas that forms clouds, ultimately benefiting their own survival. The conclusion is that this characteristic of altering the environment for survival is actually quite common, contrary to the initial assumption.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question, which asks us to describe the argumentative strategy employed in the passage.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) A general principle is used to justify a claim made about a particular case to which that principle has been shown to apply.

- This choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't use a general principle to justify a claim about a particular case. Instead, it presents a counterexample to challenge the initial assumption.

b) An explanation of how a controversial phenomenon could have come about is given in order to support the claim that this phenomenon did in fact come about.

- This choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't discuss a controversial phenomenon, nor does it explain how such a phenomenon could have come about. The passage focuses on challenging the initial assumption using a counterexample.

c) A generalization about the conditions under which a certain process can occur is advanced on the basis of an examination of certain cases in which that process did occur.

- This choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't advance a generalization about conditions. Instead, it presents a counterexample to challenge the initial assumption that only the most highly evolved species alter their environment for survival.

d) A counterexample to a position being challenged is presented in order to show that this position is incorrect.

- This choice is correct. The passage challenges the initial assumption by presenting the plankton example as a counterexample, showing that the position is incorrect and that altering the environment for survival is a more common characteristic.

e) A detailed example is used to illustrate the advantage of one strategy over another.

- This choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't discuss strategies or their advantages. It focuses on challenging the initial assumption with a counterexample.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice D, as it accurately describes the argumentative strategy employed in the passage by presenting a counterexample to challenge the initial assumption.