LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Logical ReasoningMedium
A consumer advocate claims: 'The rising cost of organic produce is solely due to increased demand. As more people choose organic, prices naturally increase.' However, a farmer points out that the cost of organic certification has also significantly increased, along with stricter regulations for organic farming, which require more labor and specialized equipment. The farmer's statement functions as:
- AEvidence that the consumer advocate's claim is partially true.
- BAn alternative explanation for the rising cost of organic produce.
- CConfirmation that consumers are willing to pay more for organic produce.
- DA premise supporting the idea that organic produce is superior.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. An alternative explanation for the rising cost of organic produce.
The consumer advocate presents one cause ('solely due to increased demand'). The farmer introduces other significant cost factors (certification, labor, equipment) that could also explain the rising prices. This acts as an alternative explanation, challenging the 'solely due to' aspect of the advocate's argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The farmer's statement introduces *other* factors, not evidence for the advocate's claim. It challenges the 'solely due to increased demand' part.
- C. The farmer's statement is about the *costs* of production, not consumer willingness to pay, although that might be a separate factor in demand.
- D. The farmer's statement focuses on the *cost* side of organic farming, not its quality or superiority.
Role of a Statement
Identifying the 'role' of a statement in an argument involves determining how it functions—whether it's a premise, conclusion, counter-premise, evidence, or an assumption—to support or challenge the main point.
- Requires understanding the argument's structure.
- Distinguishes between evidence and claims derived from evidence.
- Examines how a statement impacts the argument's validity.
Memory trick: Each word plays a part, building the argument's art.