LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The argument in this problem is discussing the factors that contribute to an athlete becoming a champion. It starts by stating that muscular strength is a limited resource, and that athletic techniques help to use this resource efficiently. This is a premise or a fact that the argument is based on.

The second sentence is where the argument's conclusion is found. It begins with another premise, "Since top athletes do not differ greatly from each other in muscular strength," which sets up the basis for the conclusion. The conclusion is then introduced by the phrase "it follows that," and it is: "a requirement for an athlete to become a champion is a superior mastery of athletic techniques."

In simpler terms, the argument is saying that because all top athletes have similar levels of muscular strength, what sets a champion apart is their superior mastery of athletic techniques.

Now let's look at the answer choices:

a) This choice incorrectly suggests that only champions have a superior mastery of athletic techniques. The argument doesn't say this. It says that to become a champion, an athlete needs a superior mastery of techniques, not that only champions have this mastery.

b) This choice incorrectly states that superior muscular strength is a requirement for an athlete to become a champion. The argument actually says that top athletes have similar levels of muscular strength, so it's not the key factor in becoming a champion.

c) This is the correct answer. It accurately paraphrases the conclusion of the argument, saying that no athlete can become a champion without a superior mastery of athletic techniques.

d) While this choice is true according to the argument, it's not the main point. The argument mentions that top athletes have similar levels of muscular strength, but this is a premise, not the conclusion.

e) This choice, like choice d, is a premise of the argument, not the conclusion. It's true that the argument says athletic techniques help athletes use limited resources efficiently, but the main point is about the role of these techniques in becoming a champion.