Role in ArgumentDiff: Medium

Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: In the world of jazz, singers try to sound like instruments and instrumentalists try to sound like singers, making the two styles blend together.

Conclusion: Jazz music is largely defined by a reciprocal relationship where instruments mimic voices and voices mimic instruments.

Reasoning: Top-tier jazz singers treat their voices like horns to increase impact, while horn players conversely emulate the spontaneous qualities of human speech.

Analysis: This is a 'Role in Argument' question, so we need to pinpoint how the first sentence functions within the logic. The first sentence establishes a general principle about jazz singers that, when combined with a similar principle about horn players, leads to the final summary. It acts as a premise that supports the broader concluding claim about the nature of jazz. You might notice that while it feels like a starting point, it is essential for building the 'hornlike voices' half of the final conclusion.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

Unlock Full Passage

12.

Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that the best jazz singers use their voices much as horn players use their instruments?

Correct Answer
C
The opening claim is given some evidence (Billie Holiday) and then used, alongside the horn-player claim, to support the main conclusion that jazz largely consists of voice-like horns and horn-like voices.
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
Explore Perfection Plus for full LSAT prep