Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Easy

PT130 S1 Q1 Explanation

Commentator: Although the present

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

TopicsNecessary Assumption

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Stimulus

Commentator: Although the present freshwater supply is adequate for today's patterns of water use, the human population will increase substantially over the next few decades, drastically increasing the need for freshwater. Hence, restrictions on water use freshwater needs of humankind in the not-too-distant future.

What this question is testing

Necessary Assumption

Your task

Find the assumption the argument requires in order for its conclusion to hold.

Common trap

Answers that would help the argument but aren't strictly required (sufficient, not necessary).

Winning move

Negate each choice — the right one breaks the argument when negated.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
1.

Which one of the following is an assumption required by

Answer choices

  1. Out of Scope3% picked this

    Humans will adapt to restrictions on the use of water without resorting to wasteful use

    Other natural resources are not relevant to this argument.

  2. Weaken2% picked this

    The total supply of freshwater has not diminished in

    This makes it less likely that water restrictions will be needed.

  3. Correct92% picked this

    The freshwater supply will not increase sufficiently to meet the increased

    Why this is right

    This rules out an alternative approach. In order for the other approach (water restrictions) to be necessary, this approach (additional freshwater supply) must not be available.

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

  4. Too Strong2% picked this

    No attempt to synthesize water will have an appreciable effect on the quantity

    Not having an appreciable effect is stronger than not being sufficient to meet additional needs.

  5. Weaken2% picked this

    No water conservation measure previously attempted yielded an increase in the supply of freshwater available

    This makes it less likely that water restrictions will be necessary.

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