LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q20: Columnist: Almost anyone can be an

LSAT Question Stem

The columnist's conclusion follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The official question type for this problem is Sufficient Assumption. Our task is to find an assumption that, if true, would guarantee the conclusion logically follows from the premise.

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage:

Premise: Anybody who manages to convince some people of his or her qualifications in an area—whatever those may be—is an expert.

Conclusion: Almost anyone can be an expert.

The argument structure can be represented as:

Premise: Convince some people -> Expert (A -> B)

Conclusion: Almost anyone -> Expert

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Can almost anyone convince some people of their qualifications in some area?"

Let's examine the answer choices:

a) Almost anyone can convince some people of his or her qualifications in some area.

This answer choice aligns with our "Evaluate" question and provides the missing link to guarantee the conclusion. If almost anyone can convince some people of their qualifications, then almost anyone can be an expert, according to the premise. This is the correct answer.

b) Some experts convince everyone of their qualifications in almost every area.

This answer choice doesn't guarantee the conclusion. It only tells us about some experts, not about almost anyone's ability to become an expert.

c) Convincing certain people that one is qualified in an area requires that one actually be qualified in that area.

This answer choice doesn't help us determine if almost anyone can be an expert. It only tells us about the requirements for convincing certain people of one's qualifications.

d) Every expert has convinced some people of his or her qualifications in some area.

This answer choice is the Mistaken Reversal of the premise (B -> A). It doesn't guarantee the conclusion that almost anyone can be an expert.

e) Some people manage to convince almost everyone of their qualifications in one or more areas.

This answer choice only justifies the conclusion that some people are experts. It doesn't help us determine if almost anyone can be an expert.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (a) because it provides the missing link that guarantees the conclusion logically follows from the premise.