preptest 73, logical reasoning 1, question 19
summary
the essence of tackling a weaken question on the lsat involves identifying and challenging the argument's assumptions by dissecting the argument into its conclusion and evidence.
- understanding the argument is crucial, which entails distinguishing between its conclusion and the supporting evidence.
- the argument in question posits that a carved flint object found in a stone age tomb was likely a speaking staff, based on its characteristics and the context of its discovery.
- the assumption underlying this argument is that no further information could negate the conclusion that the object was a speaking staff rather than a weapon.
- to weaken the argument, one must find evidence that contradicts this assumption, thereby casting doubt on the conclusion.
- answer choice b effectively weakens the argument by suggesting that the object's presence in a tomb, rather than being passed between generations, argues against it being a communal object like a speaking staff.
chapters
00:00
introduction to weaken questions
00:22
analyzing the argument
01:26
identifying the assumption
