LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens 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

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that high blood cholesterol levels are bad for the heart. It mentions that shellfish, like meat, eggs, and poultry, contains cholesterol. However, the passage argues that shellfish is not necessarily bad for the heart because it is low in saturated fat, which affects blood cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol does.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

- Premise: High blood cholesterol levels are bad for the heart.

- Premise: Shellfish contains cholesterol, like meat, eggs, and poultry.

- Conclusion: Shellfish is not necessarily bad for the heart due to its low saturated fat content.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Does the low saturated fat content of shellfish actually lead to lower blood cholesterol levels?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices. The question type is Strengthen, which asks us to find the answer choice that most strengthens the argument.

a) Meat and eggs are high in saturated fat.

This answer choice doesn't strengthen the conclusion that shellfish isn't bad for the heart; it only supports the idea that meat and eggs may be bad for the heart. We aren't trying to prove that shellfish is different from meat and eggs, only that shellfish isn't bad.

b) Small quantities of foods high in saturated fat are not bad for the heart.

This answer choice doesn't strengthen the argument because it doesn't provide any information about shellfish or its effects on the heart.

c) Shellfish has less cholesterol per gram than meat, eggs, and poultry do.

This choice doesn't strengthen the argument either. It tells us that shellfish has less cholesterol, but it still has cholesterol, which can be bad for the heart. The conclusion isn't that shellfish is not as bad as other foods; it's that shellfish is not necessarily bad for the heart. Comparing shellfish to meat, eggs, and poultry is irrelevant to the argument.

d) Foods low in saturated fat promote low blood cholesterol.

This answer choice strengthens the argument because it establishes a connection between low saturated fat content (a characteristic of shellfish) and low blood cholesterol levels, which are better for the heart. This supports the conclusion that shellfish is not necessarily bad for the heart.

e) A serving of meat or poultry is typically larger than a serving of shellfish.

This answer choice doesn't strengthen the argument because it doesn't provide any information about the effects of shellfish on the heart.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. It strengthens the argument by connecting low saturated fat content (found in shellfish) to lower blood cholesterol levels, which are better for the heart.