LSAT Explanation PT 38, S1, Q21: Some educators claim that it is

LSAT Question Stem

The educators' reasoning provides grounds for accepting which one of the following statements? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and break it down into simpler terms. The passage discusses the viewpoint of some educators who believe that school courses should cover basic subject matter in depth. They argue that if students have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and investigatory techniques in a subject, they will be able to explore the breadth of that subject on their own after the course is over. In contrast, if students only learn a lot of factual information without truly understanding its significance, they won't be well-equipped for further study on their own.

The question type for this problem is a Must Be True (MBT) question, which means we are looking for an answer choice that is supported by the information in the passage.

Now let's examine each answer choice:

a) It is easier to understand how plants and animals are classified after learning how plants and animals can be useful.

This answer choice may seem appealing since it discusses understanding significance. However, the passage focuses on learning basic concepts and techniques in depth, not necessarily on the usefulness of the subject matter. Therefore, this answer choice isn't directly supported by the passage.

b) It is more difficult to recall the details of a dull and complicated lecture than of a lively and interesting one.

This answer choice discusses the difficulty of recalling details from different types of lectures, but it doesn't address the main point of the passage, which is about learning basic concepts and techniques in depth. Thus, this answer choice isn't supported by the passage.

c) It is easier to remember new ideas explained personally by a teacher than ideas that one explores independently.

This answer choice focuses on the method of learning (teacher vs. independent exploration), but it doesn't address the main point of the passage, which is about learning basic concepts and techniques in depth. Therefore, this answer choice isn't supported by the passage.

d) It is easier to understand any Greek tragedy after one has analyzed a few of them in detail.

This answer choice directly aligns with the main point of the passage, as it discusses learning a few Greek tragedies in depth (basic concepts and techniques), which then makes it easier to understand any Greek tragedy (exploring the breadth of the subject on one's own). This answer choice is supported by the passage, making it the correct answer.

e) It is easier to learn many simple ideas well than to learn a few complicated ideas well.

This answer choice contradicts the main point of the passage, which advocates for learning basic concepts and techniques in depth (a few complicated ideas) rather than learning many simple ideas. This answer choice isn't supported by the passage.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (d) because it directly aligns with the main point of the passage, which is about learning basic concepts and techniques in depth in order to explore the breadth of a subject on one's own.