Necessary AssumptionDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A store manager thinks free gift wrapping is a bad idea because it's either a waste of money if everyone wants it or a waste of effort if nobody does.
Conclusion: The department store should not offer free gift wrapping during the holiday season.
Reasoning: The manager argues that if many people use the service, it is too costly, and if few people use it, there is no benefit.
Analysis: The manager is using a 'false dilemma' style of reasoning. To make this argument work as a necessary assumption, the manager must believe that there are no other possible outcomes or benefits. For instance, the argument assumes that there isn't a 'middle ground' of usage that is both affordable and beneficial, or that the service doesn't provide hidden benefits like increased customer loyalty or higher overall sales.
Conclusion: The department store should not offer free gift wrapping during the holiday season.
Reasoning: The manager argues that if many people use the service, it is too costly, and if few people use it, there is no benefit.
Analysis: The manager is using a 'false dilemma' style of reasoning. To make this argument work as a necessary assumption, the manager must believe that there are no other possible outcomes or benefits. For instance, the argument assumes that there isn't a 'middle ground' of usage that is both affordable and beneficial, or that the service doesn't provide hidden benefits like increased customer loyalty or higher overall sales.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage8.Which one of the following is an assumption required by the department store manager's argument?
Correct Answer
E
The argument requires the two possibilities to be exhaustive. Negation test: Not (either few or most) means there could be a moderate number of customers—precisely the case the manager ignores—potentially offering an advantage without prohibitive cost. That would undermine the conclusion, so E is necessary.
Upgrade Your Prep
Ready to go beyond free explanations?
LSAT Perfection is the #1 modern LSAT prep platform, trusted by thousands of students for comprehensive test strategies, advanced drilling, and full analytics on every PrepTest.
Detailed explanations for 59 PrepTests
Advanced drillset builder
Personalized analytics
Built-in Wrong Answer Journal