Q15 - At the request of Grove Park

[Shiggins]

I picked D for this question, but the answer choice says E. After reviewing, I believe D is wrong b/c it says the residents should have the rights, but I think in order for it to be unfair wouldn't the assumption require them to not have the rights since it is public. Also I have question with the last sentence b/c I seem to be missing the point of how it is restrictive. I believe that is what answer choice E is getting at. If someone could explain E and its relationship to argument and if what I said about D has any merit. Thank you.

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

After reviewing, I believe D is wrong b/c it says the residents should have the rights, but I think in order for it to be unfair wouldn't the assumption require them to not have the rights since it is public.

That's right. This assumption would run against the argument's intermediate conclusion that all drivers have the right to use these public streets.

Answer choice (E) does represent an assumption of the argument. The argument asserts that because all drivers have the right to use these public streets that installing speed bumps is unfair. In order for the conclusion to follow, it must assume that the speed bumps do prevent drivers from something that they are entitled to.

(A) is true, but the argument wasn't about whether the remedy was going to be effective, but rather whether it was fair.
(B) takes the wrong side. The residents assume that drivers do speed through the neighborhood, but we're not looking for an assumption of the residents argument, we're looking for an assumption of those who would argue against the residents of Park Grove.
(C) is true, but the argument doesn't need to provide evidence that drivers have complained about the new speed bumps in order to justify the unfairness of the speed bumps.
(D) states the opposite of what is assumed.

Does that answer your question?

[Shiggins]

Thank you, that helps in my understanding. I appreciate the reply.

[Darabi.Shawn]

The first time I read this argument I had a hard time understanding/picturing it. Did I get the core wrong?

Neigh. not a private
community, streets
built with public funds

THEREFORE

All drivers have the right to use
grove park streets whenever they want

Upon reading this explanation, I reread the argument again and now am more confused. I really don't understand what is going on here.

Residents wanted speed bumps installed. noise and congestion is unfair?

I really do not follow, may I get some help please?

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

Hey Shawn,

Here's the argument summary.

There's a problem (noise and congestion) in Grove Park. The residents wanted speed bumps to solve the problem. The author however believes that this is not the right solution, since the streets were built with public funds and so all drivers have the right to use them.

The author seems to be assuming that speed bumps prevent drivers from using the streets. It may be the case that drivers can't use the streets with speed bumps in any way they way (driving very fast), but they still can use them whenever want (so long as they drive slowly).

Hope that helps!

[Darabi.Shawn]

Thanks Matt. That does help.