Logical Reasoning · Method of Argument

PrepTest 136 · Section 2 · Question 25

Phase 1 (your first ~400 questions): read the guidance, then answer. No clock.

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Method of Argument

The one idea it tests

Describe how the argument recommends a choice by what kind of argument it produces.

The basic logic

The passage first admits that labels like these are usually unhelpful. Then it gives advice to anyone who wants a label to stick: pick the one that is just a restatement of an undeniable fact. The method is conditional advice, justified because accepting the fact forces accepting the label.

Tiny words that decide it

“however”
“if”
“should”
“always”

Playground logic

Kids who hog the swing get called greedy, mean or 'swing-keeper.' Sharon says names don't help, but if you want one to stick, use 'swing-keeper,' since anyone who admits the kid kept the swing can't deny he's a swing-keeper. The method: advice for those with a goal, backed by an airtight link from fact to label.

Step 2 · The kid story

The Name That Sticks

During recess, Marcus kept the swing for twenty minutes. Kids started calling him greedy, mean, and swing-keeper. Sharon turned to Frankie. "Those names hurt, nobody can prove them, and they don't get anyone a turn." Frankie nodded. "Agreed." "But," Sharon said, "if you really want a name to stick, pick swing-keeper. Nobody can argue with it. If you agree he kept the swing, you can't say he's not a swing-keeper." Lulu wrote on her clipboard: Not saying do it. Saying IF you do it, use the name that comes straight from the facts. Marcus finally hopped off the swing. "Fine. Swing-keeper retired."

Step 3 · Try the model question

Sharon: Kids who hog the swing get called greedy, mean or swing-keeper. These names sting and are hard to prove. But if you want one to stick, choose swing-keeper. Anyone who admits the kid kept the swing cannot then deny he is a swing-keeper.

Sharon's argument proceeds by

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Case of the Late Neighbor

In a small-claims court, Mrs. Hart complained that her neighbor was called lazy, careless and tardy by the block. Judge Lin sighed. "Such names rarely help and are hard to prove." Mr. Whitfield raised a finger. "True, Your Honor. But if the block insists on a name, 'tardy' is the one that holds. He arrived after the meeting started. Once you grant that, you can't say he wasn't tardy." The judge smiled. "So you're not urging the name, only saying that if anyone wants one, pick the one built right out of the admitted fact." "Exactly, Your Honor. Grant the fact and the label comes with it."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 136, Section 2, Question 25 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Read for the passage's attitude first: does it reject, accept, or advise conditionally? Note any 'if you want X' framing. Then identify the reason given for the advice: what does the recommended choice guarantee? Match the choice that captures both the conditional nature and the specific reason. Reject choices that flip the stance, add goals the passage never states, or give a different reason than the one stated.