LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is an assumption on which Patti's argument depends? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down Patti's argument in the passage. Patti's main conclusion is that directed learning is unlikely to improve a child's preschool education. Her premises are that most parents direct their children's learning to their personal concerns, and children naturally learn a lot through growing and adapting to the world. The question is asking us to find the assumption that Patti's argument depends on.

To make the argument more relatable, let's use a simple example. Imagine a child learning about nature. The child might naturally learn about different plants and animals by exploring their surroundings. However, if a parent directs the child's learning only towards the parent's favorite plants, the child's overall understanding of nature might not improve as much as if they were left to explore freely.

Now, let's consider an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does directed learning play a significant role in the process of growing and adapting to the world?"

With this in mind, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice suggests that parents who use directed learning have been exposed to misguided psychological theories. While this may provide an explanation for why parents use directed learning, it is not an assumption that Patti's argument depends on. The argument would still hold even if the reasons for parental practices were different.

b) This answer choice actually weakens the argument by implying that children need parental guidance to adapt to the world. We are looking for an assumption that supports Patti's conclusion, so this answer choice is incorrect.

c) This answer choice also weakens the argument by suggesting that directed learning has a positive effect on children's education. We need an assumption that supports the conclusion that directed learning does not improve preschool education, so this choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice is correct. It states that directed learning is not a necessary part of the process of growing and adapting to the world. This assumption supports Patti's conclusion that directed learning is unlikely to improve a child's preschool education. If directed learning were necessary for this process, it would weaken the conclusion.

e) This answer choice is irrelevant to the conclusion. Whether general opportunities to learn are typical of the early years of formal education does not affect the argument that directed learning is unlikely to improve a child's preschool education.

In summary, the correct answer choice is (d), as it is the assumption that Patti's argument depends on.