LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most closely parallels the newscaster's argument in its reasoning? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This is a Parallel Reasoning question, which asks us to find an answer choice that follows the same logical structure as the argument presented in the passage.

Let's first break down the newscaster's argument:

1. For meaningful public participation in the debate, issues must be stated in understandable terms (A -> B).

2. The mayor's speech has stated the issues in understandable terms (B).

3. Therefore, the public might be able to participate meaningfully in the debate (Possibility of A).

Now, let's examine each answer choice to see which one parallels this argument:

a) This answer choice presents a contrapositive argument, stating that if one doesn't know Russian, they cannot read the original text of Crime and Punishment. This doesn't match the structure of the passage, as it doesn't conclude with a possibility statement.

b) This answer choice repeats the same idea: Laura has reached her goals and therefore must have been able to consider them carefully. It doesn't match the passage's structure because it doesn't involve a possibility statement in the conclusion.

c) This answer choice states that Hugo wants to be a good teacher (sufficient condition) and concludes that he might be able to avoid confusing his students. It doesn't match the passage's structure because it starts with the sufficient condition being met, rather than the necessary condition.

d) This answer choice concludes that Paul "must have" discovered the meaning of certain words, which is a stronger statement than the possibility discussed in the passage. Therefore, it doesn't match the passage's structure.

e) This answer choice parallels the newscaster's argument:

1. For survival in a very cold climate, one must have warm clothing (C -> D).

2. Jerome has obtained warm clothing (D).

3. Therefore, Jerome might be able to survive in a very cold climate (Possibility of C).

Answer choice (e) is the correct answer because it follows the same logical structure as the passage: it states a necessary condition for survival in a cold climate, confirms that the necessary condition has been met, and concludes with the possibility of the sufficient condition (survival) being met.