Logical reasoning PrepTest 152 · Section 4 · Question 4

Young provides a different explanation for the same phenomenon Warner has noticed, but she doesn't try to argue that Warner's premise in some way weakens or contradicts his conclusion, which is what we'd need to see for this answer to be correct.

The evidence Warner uses is that more and more competitive swimmers have graduated from school. Young, in offering an alternative explanation for that phenomenon, relies on it being true. So Young doesn't undermine Warner's evidence; she agrees with it. This answer would be correct if Young offered examples of all the swimmers who were still in school.

Neither Warner nor Young deals in sufficient or necessary conditions, so this answer should be eliminated immediately.

This answer is the same as saying Young accuses Warner of making a circular argument. In no way does Young say Warner's premise assumes the truth of the conclusion; in fact, she states that there's a consideration Warner is missing.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Methods of Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
W: Before, competitive swimmers were students. Now, they're graduates. Training regimens must have improved.

Y: No, it could be that now swimmers can make a living swimming, whereas they used to need to get a job.

Answer Anticipation:
Warner settles on one potential explanation for a given change, and Young gives another potential explanation. Let's look for an answer that aligns with that view.

Answer Explanation:
Warner and Young agree that more and more competitive swimmers have graduated from school. They disagree on why that is (training vs. money). This answer hits at that disagreement.

Key Takeaway:
Alternative explanations, solutions, and causes are all very important on the LSAT. If you can view an argument or statement through one of those lenses, it will probably help you to find the correct answer.