PrepTest 156, Section 2, Question 4
Business writer: Although the demand for Corinne wristwatches(103 more words not shown)
The claim that it would(27 more words not shown)
- Aan introductory claim(10 more words not shown)
- Ba justification of(6 more words not shown)
- Ca premise of(2 more words not shown)
- Dan opinion offered(8 more words not shown)
- Ethe conclusion toward(5 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
If the watches become easy to get, will people still want them so badly? The writer says that increasing production to meet demand would be a mistake. I can imagine why: part of the appeal may be having something that other people can't get. Making enough for everyone could take away that feeling of exclusivity.
That's exactly the explanation the writer develops. Limited production creates a shortage. The excess demand makes the watches seem highly desirable, and that impression helps drive people's desire for them. The writer then argues that meeting demand would remove the shortage and, with it, the appeal.
What we’re looking for
The question asks what role the opening recommendation plays. Ask which way the support runs. Why shouldn't the manufacturer increase production? Because doing so would eliminate the scarcity that makes the watches desirable. The explanation about scarcity supports the recommendation, so the recommendation is the conclusion. Its early position in the paragraph doesn't change its job.
Working the answers
- A
The writer doesn't introduce this recommendation in order to reject it. The rest of the passage defends it. To fit A, the writer would need to turn around and argue that increasing supply is actually a good idea.
- B
The claim tells the manufacturer what would be a mistake. It doesn't explain why a particular piece of evidence is relevant. The later claims about scarcity and desire are offered to support that judgment.
- C
A premise would be a reason for accepting another claim. Here, the writer gives reasons for accepting the claim that increasing supply would be a mistake. This is the point being supported, not one of the reasons supporting it.
- D
Calling the claim an opinion isn't enough. D says that opinion supports a premise, but the support runs the other way: the premises about scarcity and consumer desire support this opinion about what the manufacturer should do.
- ECorrect
The argument is directed toward convincing us not to increase supply to meet demand. Everything about limited production, apparent desirability, and the effect of eliminating excess demand explains why the writer thinks that would be a mistake. That makes the quoted claim the argument's conclusion.
More Role/Main Point questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Role/Main Point questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.