LSAT 43, Logical Reasoning II, Q4, LSATHacks

LR Question 4 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: Sydonie: Parents differ in their beliefs about the rules to which…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

SYDONIE’S CONCLUSION: Any school disciplinary structure will cause resentment.

SYDONIE’S REASONING: This is a pretty good argument. Since parents are bound to disagree on what are appropriate disciplinary measures, it will be impossible to create rules that please everyone. That is likely to cause resentment.

STEPHANIE’S REBUTTAL: Surveys show that parents want good discipline in schools.

ANALYSIS: Stephanie’s reply is very weak. Even though parents want discipline, they may disagree on what it means (i.e., strict vs. understanding). This is exactly what Sydonie is saying. Stephanie missed the point, and she did not address Sydonie’s argument.

___________

1. No. Educational research is fine; it can lend insight into educational practice.
2. No. A general issue could still be relevant. If Stephanie showed research that parents very rarely resent anything schools do, that would have made for a better argument.
3. CORRECT. Exactly. Stephanie missed the point, and she didn’t counter Sydonie’s reasoning.
4. This isn’t too vague to be useful. “High on the list” is synonymous with important, which does tell us that parents are concerned. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help address Sydonie’s argument.
5. This isn’t a problem. Sydonie does not discuss educators’ attitudes toward discipline. In fact, her argument implies they are irrelevant, as some parents will always be displeased.

Recap: The question begins with “Sydonie: Parents differ in their beliefs about the rules to which”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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