LSAT 4 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Most children find it very difficult to explain exactly…

QUESTION TYPE: Sufficient Assumption

CONCLUSION: Clearly understanding what a word means does not depend on being able to explain it.

REASONING: Children are able to use words they cannot explain to convey feelings and emotions they are experiencing.

ANALYSIS: This feels like a good argument. But it is missing something. Does a child really understand a word if he can use it correctly? Most people can use computers, but few people really understand them.

The answer choice needs to link the premise “children can use the words” to the conclusion “children understand the words.”

___________

1. The stimulus isn’t talking about whether any children are able to explain the words. They’re making a general statement about understanding words, using children as an example.
2. Children are not usually able to explain words. We’re trying to prove that if you use a word you understand it (even if you can’t explain it.)
3. Huh? This is densely worded, but it doesn’t have much to do with anything. We don’t care how wide-ranging words that refer to emotions can be.
4. CORRECT. This works. We get: If someone uses a word correctly they understand the word. Children can do that, even though they can’t explain a word. Therefore the conclusion (understanding a word doesn’t depend on being able to explain it) is correct.
5. The article didn’t claim that adults can’t explain words that refer to things that cannot be seen or touched.

Recap: The question begins with “Most children find it very difficult to explain exactly”. It is a Sufficient Assumption question. Learn more about LSAT Sufficient questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.