LSAT 5 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q10

LR Question 10 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The reforms to improve the quality of public education…

QUESTION TYPE: Necessary Assumption

CONCLUSION: Reforms must be demanded by consumers: this will lead to schools with better academic offerings.

REASONING: Reforms initiated by suppliers of public information have failed. If parents are given vouchers to choose their schools it will force the schools to improve.

ANALYSIS: It is very important to note that the conclusion is about academic improvement. I didn’t notice that and couldn’t figure out the question for a bit.

Parents judge a school based on many factors. This argument is assuming that they will judge schools on academics specifically. But they might instead focus on facilities and extra-curricular offerings, for example.

___________

1. CORRECT. If this isn’t true then schools might not improve their academic offerings. They could improve other areas.
2. Not necessary as long as there is some other way for schools to improve their academic offerings.
3. Not necessary. Presumably schools in different areas will face different academic demands from parents. That’s fine, as long as they can improve.
4. Not necessary as long as parents can recognize which schools are better.
5. Not necessary, as long as there was some increase in academic improvement. E.g. If math improved but history didn’t that would be fine. It counts as an improvement.

Recap: The question begins with “The reforms to improve the quality of public education”. It is a Necessary Assumption question. Learn more about LSAT Necessary questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.