Discussion
A small collection of copper-alloy kitchen implements was found in an abandoned Roman-era well. Beneath them was a cache of coins, some of which dated to 375 A.D. The implements, therefore, were dropped into the well no earlier than 375 A.D. Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
*This question is included in June 2013 LSAT (PT69): Logical Reasoning A, question #13
| (A) | The coins used in the Roman Empire often remained in circulation for many decades. |
| (B) | ... |
| (C) | ... |
| (D) | ... |
| (E) | ... |
| (F) | ... |
The solution is
Posted: 10/26/2013 10:13
Can someone explain why answer b is right
Posted: 10/31/2013 16:32
Hi Adriane -
Because some of the coins in the cache are dated 375 AD, it should be clear that the cache was placed in the well no earlier than that. The argument claims that the kitchen implements were also placed in the well no earlier than that, since they were found on top of the coins.
This seems reasonable, but it does assume that the coins could not have been put in later than the utensils and still ended up underneath them. Answer (B), if true, supports this assumption and therefore strengthens the argument.
The other four answers are all irrelevant to the argument, which concerns only the placement of the two layers in the well. (B) is therefore the correct choice.
Please post again if you have any further questions!
Best,
Lyn
Because some of the coins in the cache are dated 375 AD, it should be clear that the cache was placed in the well no earlier than that. The argument claims that the kitchen implements were also placed in the well no earlier than that, since they were found on top of the coins.
This seems reasonable, but it does assume that the coins could not have been put in later than the utensils and still ended up underneath them. Answer (B), if true, supports this assumption and therefore strengthens the argument.
The other four answers are all irrelevant to the argument, which concerns only the placement of the two layers in the well. (B) is therefore the correct choice.
Please post again if you have any further questions!
Best,
Lyn