Logical Reasoning

PT125 · S4 · Q1 Editorialist: Advertisers devote millions

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

  • Save & drill this skill — build targeted practice sets from questions like this one

  • Video walkthroughs — watch every question solved step by step

  • 81 official LSATs — as questions, timed sections & full-length tests

Start practicing free

Editorialist: Advertisers devote millions of dollars to the attempt to instill attitudes and desires that lead people to purchase particular products, and advertisers' techniques have been adopted by political strategists in democratic countries, who are paid to manipulate public opinion in every political campaign.

Evidence

Advertisers devote millions of dollars to the attempt to instill attitudes and desires that lead people to purchase particular products.

Advertisers' techniques have been adopted by political strategists in democratic countries, who are paid to manipulate public opinion in every political campaign.

Conclusion

The results of elections in democratic countries cannot be viewed as representing the unadulterated preferences of the people.

Evaluate

The argument mistakes the intent of an action with the actual outcome achieved. Just because advertisers attempt to instill attitudes and desires that lead people to purchase particular products, does not mean that they are successful.

1.

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the editorialist's argument?

  1. Public opinion can be manipulated

    Weakens

    This makes it less likely that the political advertisements in the conclusion of the argument actually affected change in voters’ beliefs.

    2% picked this

  2. Advertisers' techniques are often apparent

    Too Weak

    That people can recognize the advertisers’ techniques does not preclude them from being effective.

    5% picked this

  3. Many democratic countries have laws

    Too Weak

    This reduces the amount of political advertising but not preclude them from being effective.

    3% picked this

  4. People who neither watch television

    Too Weak / Irrelevant Comparison

    There are two issues with this answer. First, there are other forms of media that could serve as the medium for political advertisements. And second, the argument is about the preferences of the people, not the segment of the population that votes.

    2% picked this

  5. Correct

    Unlike advertisements for consumer products,

    Why this is right

    This suggests that the political advertisements are actually effectual and that they change voters’ beliefs.

    Skill tested: Strengthen · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    89% picked this

Continue the review in LSAT Lab

Save this question, watch the video walkthrough, and drill similar questions in your LSAT Lab account.

Save and practice this skill
LSAT Lab

Turn this review into a targeted study plan.

Save this question, drill more like it, watch the video walkthrough, and track your progress in your LSAT Lab account.

Start practicing free