LSAT 152 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q14

LR Question 14 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Until fairly recently, classroom computers were considered…

QUESTION TYPE: Principle – Conform

FACTS:

1. Classroom computers used to be a luxury.
2. Now, teachers say students need computer skills to compete in the global market.
3. But, schools teaching computer skills don’t spend as much time on fundamental math and reading.

ANALYSIS: It sounds like teaching computer skills has taken away from basic math and reading skills.

That’s all we can conclude. The author didn’t say whether the computer skills are nonetheless more or less valuable than the math and reading skills.

___________

1. Who knows? The argument didn’t make this comparison. Maybe you can do without reading skills as long as you can swipe photos and videos on a photo.
2. Cannot is an extreme word. It means it is literally impossible. This answer means that not even a genius administrator with limitless funding can achieve both goals.
    
   The argument wasn’t so definitive. Studies do show a tradeoff, but the studies didn’t say exceptions were impossible. Most relationships are tendencies, rather than absolute rules.
    
   Also, technically the stimulus said emphasizing computer technology, and this answer said computer skills. You could perhaps teach computer skills without emphasizing computer technology? D doesn’t have this concept switch. That’s a bit tenuous though, I prefer the “cannot” explanation for ruling this answer out.
3. Traditional academic subjects are presumably reading and math. So this is saying we need to rethink reading in order to compete in the economy. Maybe, but the stimulus didn’t mention anything about that. It only said computer skills are necessary to compete in the economy.
4. CORRECT. This is a rather indirect answer. You have to translate parts of this answer to the terms they refer to in the stimulus. Recent educational developments = the believe that computer skills are essential, and that classroom computers aren’t a luxury (but rather a necessity). “Basic skills” = math skills. “Other skills” = computer skills.
    
   So, this answer says that if you follow the recent educational trend of emphasizing computer skills, your students will learn computer skills (“other skills”) instead of basic skills (“math and reading skills”). Therefore, this answer exactly restates the stimulus, which is what we’re looking for.
    
   Confused? That was rather dense. It seems increasingly LSAC wants you to practice swapping in one concept for another, and reading things part by part. Also, note that B isn’t that distinct from this answer. The biggest difference is that “cannot” in B is rather harsh, whereas “can” merely indicates a possibility, so this answer is much easier to support.
5. This goes too far. Educators believe students need computer skills, but that doesn’t mean such skills should be the primary goal. Schools may still spend most of their time on reading and math, even though they have reduced such time. You can reduce an amount while still keeping that amount large.

Recap: The question begins with “Until fairly recently, classroom computers were considered”. It is a Principle question. Learn more about LSAT Principle questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.