Question

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) Urban pollution has not doubled in the past decade. (B) Doctors and patients generally ignore the role of allergies in asthma. (C) Bronchial inhalers are unsafe, even when used according to the recommended instructions. (D) The use of bronchial inhalers aggravates other discases that frequently occur among asthma sufferers and that often lead to fatal outcomes even when the asthma itself does not. (E) Increased urban pollution, improved recording of asthma deaths, and the use of bronchial inhalers are the only possible explanations of the increased death rate due to asthma.

Short answer

(E) Increased urban pollution, improved recording of asthma deaths, and the use of bronchial inhalers are the only possible explanations of the increased death rate due to asthma.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks us to identify an assumption on which the argument depends. An assumption is an unstated premise that must be true for the argument to hold. Close examination of all options will help identify this key assumption.

Analyze the Argument's Claims

Examine the core components of the argument, focusing especially on the factors claimed to contribute to the increased death rate from asthma: urban pollution, improved death recording, and bronchial inhalers.

Evaluate Each Option

Assess each option to see if it is necessary for the argument. Determine if the argument would fall apart without the truth of each option.

Analyze Option E

Option E states that increased urban pollution, improved death recording, and bronchial inhalers are the only explanations for the increased rate of asthma deaths. This option suggests no other reasons could contribute, making it a necessary assumption of the argument.

Validate the Assumption

To verify, ask if refuting Option E would invalidate the argument entirely. If the argument breaks down without this assumption, it confirms that Option E is a critical dependency.

Key concepts

Understanding Argument Analysis

Argument analysis is an essential skill, especially when tackling logical reasoning questions on the LSAT. In this type of exercise, students are tasked to dissect and interpret the main points of an argument. Here, the argument centers around the factors contributing to an increased asthma death rate. To effectively analyze the argument, it's crucial to identify its components: the premises and the conclusion.

• Premises are the statements presented as facts, supporting the conclusion.
• The conclusion is the statement or claim that the premises are meant to justify or prove.

When analyzing, question what is explicitly stated and what might be subtly implied. Understanding these elements is the first step in identifying any hidden assumptions that the argument might rely on.

The Subtle Art of Assumption Identification

Assumption identification is a critical part of argument analysis. An assumption acts as a bridge between the premises and the conclusion. It's an underlying statement that the argument takes for granted without explicitly stating it.
When identifying assumptions, ask yourself:

• What must be true for the argument to make sense?
• What is the argument relying on that isn't directly mentioned?

In the provided exercise, assumption identification required evaluating which factors were considered the only plausible contributors to the increased death rate. By identifying that alternatives were not presented, one can pinpoint Option E as a necessary assumption. The exercise demonstrates that without this assumption, the argument fails to account for other potential reasons, thus challenging its validity.

Harnessing Critical Reasoning Skills

Critical reasoning is about assessing the strength and validity of arguments. It's important for understanding how well an argument stands up to scrutiny. Strong critical reasoning skills allow you to inspect each part of an argument and understand its logical flow.
In this context, focus on evaluating the given claims and determining if they hold up under pressure. Ask yourself:

• Are the premises logically leading to the conclusion?
• Is there any information missing that, if introduced, would strengthen or weaken the conclusion?

By critically analyzing arguments, one can better identify weaknesses and potential assumptions. Practicing critical reasoning by evaluating real-life examples or exercises, like the asthma death rate scenario, can be a significant advantage in LSAT preparation.

Strategies for Effective Exam Preparation

Effective exam preparation for the LSAT logical reasoning section requires strategy and practice. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Practice Regularly: Engage with a variety of logical reasoning exercises to build familiarity and confidence.
• Understand the Test Format: Familiarity with question types makes it easier to identify what is being tested.
• Review Mistakes: Learn from error analysis to prevent future mistakes.
• Master Timing: Practice under timed conditions to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Consistency and understanding are key. As you familiarize yourself with exercises like the one about assumptions and argument structure, you'll find yourself better equipped not only to tackle similar questions but also to apply these skills in real-world reasoning and decision-making tasks.