june 2007, logical reasoning 2, question 11
summary
the content provides an in-depth analysis of how to approach necessary assumption questions on the lsat, using a specific question about mercury levels in fish as an example to illustrate the process of identifying assumptions that an argument critically depends on.
- necessary assumption questions require identifying unstated premises that are essential for the argument's validity.
- understanding the argument involves breaking it down into its conclusion and supporting evidence.
- the example used demonstrates that the argument's conclusion is based on a comparison of mercury levels in seabird feathers from the 1800s and today.
- identifying assumptions involves considering what must be true for the evidence to support the conclusion effectively.
- the correct answer (e) is identified by eliminating options that either weaken the argument or are not essential to the argument's core claim.
chapters
00:00
understanding necessary assumptions
00:20
breaking down the argument
01:08
identifying key assumptions
01:56
analyzing answer choices
