LSAT 112 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q14

LR Question 14 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: We learn to use most of the machines in our lives…

QUESTION TYPE: Necessary Assumption

CONCLUSION: Technological expertise wouldn’t benefit students’ job prospects any more than learning to read, write and study math.

REASONING: Most of the technology we use is designed to be used by non-experts.

ANALYSIS: This argument confuses today’s technology with the technology that will be required for jobs in the future. It also ignores the possibility that technical knowledge may help you get a job even if most technology doesn’t require technical knowledge.

It could be that some very important workplace technology does require technical knowledge (even if most consumer technology doesn’t.)

___________

1. This doesn’t matter. What matters is how effective that education is.
2. This is weaker than it sounds, when you negate it. It could mean that skill in operating those machines is enhanced only 5% of the time (more than almost never.) And skill could be enhanced very, very slightly. This doesn’t really affect the argument that regular education is about as good.
3. CORRECT. If most jobs do demand skill in operating machines intended for experts then students would benefit from technical training to operate those machines.
4. The argument isn’t hurt if it would be possible for students to learn both.
5. This would be helpful, but the argument wouldn’t be hurt if it was occasionally more useful to be technically skilled.