Logical reasoning PrepTest 122 · Section 2 · Question 10

Incorrect. Both speakers agree that some people do pursue such wealth, they just disagree over what motivates it.

Incorrect. Neither speaker discusses the rationality of any actions, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. Similar to (B), there's no discussion of rationality, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. Yet another answer about rationality! We can throw this out because, again, neither speaker discusses whether these actions are rational.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts/Argument

Valid or Flawed:
NA/Flawed

Question Type:
Point at Issue

Stimulus Summary:
M: Pursue wealth beyond needs → See it as a way to achieve status/prestige

C: Money can be exchanged for goods and services that you need/want, regardless of prestige, so not everyone agrees with your statement.

Answer Anticipation:
Megan and Channen both bring up a common concept that matters in LSAT questions—motive.

They both agree that people pursue money beyond what they need. Megan believes this is to gain status and prestige, whereas Channen thinks that at least some people are motivated by material goods and are indifferent to how others see them. Since motive is such a common relevant element in LSAT questions, and the two speakers here disagree over the motives behind a certain action, it's likely that this will show up in the correct answer.

Answer Explanation:
This answer speaks to the different motives identified by the two speakers. Megan believes that pursuing extra wealth is done "only if" people think it will get them status or prestige, which commits her to believing that the motive isn't ever anything else. Channen believes that "not everyone" is so motivated, with some pursuing more money to get goods that they want. He believes, then, that the motive is sometimes something other than these two things. This is therefore the point at issue between them.

Key Takeaway:
Motive is a common relevant aspect of arguments where it's mentioned. When you see an argument discuss motive, pay attention to how it factors in, as that will likely be relevant to the correct answer.