PrepTest 111

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen with Sufficient Premise

Stimulus Summary:
Convince some people of qualifications in an area → Expert
Therefore — Almost anyone can be an expert

Answer Anticipation:
Strengthen with Sufficient Premise questions task us with finding an answer that guarantees the validity of the conclusion. Here, that conclusion is that "almost anyone" can be an expert. Do we have a premise that establishes what would guarantee someone can be an expert?

We do! While there are no official guidelines (which is a throwaway statement) there is a conditional rule—if you can convince people you're qualified to speak to an area you're an expert.

The conclusion applies this to "almost anyone" though, without any evidence that the vast majority of people can convince others that they are qualified to speak in an area. As such, we need an answer that states almost anyone meets the sufficient condition here for being an expert.

Answer Explanation:
This answer matches the scope of the conclusion ("Almost anyone") and says that they can meet the sufficient condition for being an expert. This answer thus allows the conclusion to follow logically so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Strength is key on the LSAT! For Strengthen with Sufficient Premise questions the correct answer will almost always be at least as strong as the conclusion so answers that are weaker than the conclusion can usually be eliminated.

Incorrect. This answer is weaker than the conclusion ("Almost anyone" vs. "Some experts") so it can't justify that conclusion.

Incorrect. If anything, this answer cuts against the argument, as then the argument would require that almost anyone is an expert in an area, which seems unlikely.

Incorrect. This answer is a reversal of the conditional in the stimulus, so it can be ruled out. A reversal will only be correct if the argument commits an illegal reversal flaw, but that's exceedingly rare in a Strengthen with Sufficient Premise question.

Incorrect. This answer is weaker than the conclusion in talking about only some people, whereas the conclusion is about almost anyone.