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For the claim that the concern expressed by the so-called environmentalists is not their real concern to be properly drawn on the basis of the evidence cited, which one of the following must be assumed? (A) Not every development proposal opposed in recent years by these so-called environmentalists was opposed because they believed it to (B) pose a threat to the environment. (B) People whose real agenda is to block development wherever it is proposed always try to disguise their true motives. (C) Anyone who opposes unrestricted development is an opponent of progress. (D) The council has no reason to object to the proposed Golden Lake Development other than concern about the development's effect on bird- migration patterns. (E) When people say that they oppose a development project solely on environmental grounds, their real concern almost always lies elsewhere.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The necessary assumption is Option (B).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

The exercise requires identifying the assumption necessary to conclude that the concern stated by environmentalists is not their real concern based on given evidence. We need to identify an assumption that allows for this conclusion.
02

Analyzing Each Option

Evaluate each option to see which one allows the conclusion that the stated concern by environmentalists is not their true concern. Option (A): Suggests there might be ulterior motives in some, but not all, development oppositions. Assumedly, this doesn't require a universal claim that all actions are with an ulterior motive. Option (B): Proposes that those blocking development might always hide their real motives. This directly allows the conclusion by suggesting a pattern of disguised motives. Option (C): Classifies anyone opposing development as against progress. This doesn't pertain to the specific claim about environmentalists' real concerns. Option (D): Indicates a singular case (Golden Lake Development) with no other objections aside from bird migration concerns. This does not relate directly to the generalized claim about environmentalists. Option (E): Suggests a contrary idea that environmental reasons are often not genuine, but using the word 'almost' introduces a broad generalization rather than a precise assumption necessary for this specific claim.
03

Identifying the Necessary Assumption

To precisely support the claim, we need an assumption that suggests there is always some hidden motive beyond environmental concern when proposals are opposed. Option (B) is the closest to making this assumption, as it implies a pattern of disguising true motives in development opposition.
04

Conclusion

From the evaluation, the correct answer that must be assumed is Option (B): People whose real agenda is to block development wherever it is proposed always try to disguise their true motives. This option provides the assumed reasoning needed to draw the conclusion that the stated concern isn't always genuine.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Assumption Identification
Assumption identification is a crucial skill when tackling LSAT Logical Reasoning problems. It involves finding the hidden or unstated premises that ensure the conclusion follows logically from the provided evidence. In essence, assumptions are the missing links in an argument that, once identified, close the gap between claims and evidence.

This is particularly vital in questions that ask what must be assumed for an argument to hold. For example, if a statement claims that environmentalists' expressed concerns aren't their true concerns, we need to identify the unstated premise allowing that conclusion.
  • You look for gaps between the evidence and the conclusion.
  • Consider what must be true for the argument's logic to work.
  • Think about conditions that make the conclusion unavoidable from the premises.
Mastering assumption identification helps in dissecting arguments and evaluating their validity.
Argument Evaluation
Argument evaluation involves critiquing the strength of an argument by examining its structure and the support of its premises. This evaluation is crucial in tests like the LSAT where identifying subtle weaknesses or strengths in reasoning can make a significant difference.

To evaluate arguments effectively, start by determining the conclusion and the evidence provided. Examine each premise and check how it supports the conclusion. Sometimes, the evidence is weak or some crucial assumptions are missing, weakening the argument.
  • Identify the conclusion and supporting premises clearly.
  • Look for any logical fallacies or weak inferences.
  • See if the argument relies on unwarranted assumptions, as with the exercise we discussed where some motives may be hidden.
In conclusion, effective argument evaluation can uncover inadequately supported claims, helping to refine one's critical thinking skills.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the cornerstone of analyzing and understanding arguments deeply. It is the ability to objectively evaluate information, discern significant details, and question underlying assumptions. This skill is particularly essential in LSAT Logical Reasoning problems, like the environmentalist concern scenario, where one must unravel complex argument structures.

Critical thinking requires you to challenge assumptions, probe evidence, and consider alternative interpretations of data. It allows for recognizing biases and navigating through deceptive reasoning or exaggerated claims.
  • Ask questions about the validity of assumptions.
  • Explore how alternative assumptions might change conclusions.
  • Reflect on the logical flow of the argument and its coherence.
By honing critical thinking, students develop the ability to critically analyze various scenarios, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving skills.

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