Q8 - The stamp is probably highly

[rbolden]

Can you please walk me through this question? I got it right the first time but missed it the second time. Thanks.

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

Sure. Happy to help on this one.

The conclusion of the argument is that the stamp is probably highly valuable.

The evidence the argument offers in support of that conclusion is that the stamp has a printing error and that it is quite old as well. Furthermore, we're also given the information that the two most important factors in determining a stamp's value are its rarity and age.

Well, we know that the stamp is old. The second factor, check... But what about the first, its rarity. We know that the stamp has a printing error, so an answer choice that bridges the gap in the reasoning between the stamp having a printing error and it therefore being rare would work and we find such an answer expressed in answer choice (B).

It's important here to see what the argument gives us, determine where we want to go, and then find an answer choice that bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

(A) establishes a relative claim. it does seem to support the conclusion that the stamp is valuable, but we need to keep in mind that this answer choice doesn't address the other of the two important factors - rarity. We already knew that age is important, what we don't know is whether this stamp is rare.
(C) is irrelevant. Whether the stamps are in the hands of collectors does not tell us whether or not the stamps are rare or valuable.
(D) is more specific about the two important factors that contribute to a stamp's value. But unfortunately, this doesn't go so far as to tell us that this stamp is rare.
(E) states something we all probably assume to be true, but cannot be used to support the claim that the stamp is highly valuable.

Does that help clear this one up? Let me know if you still have questions here.

[shirando21]

Sure. Happy to help on this one.

The conclusion of the argument is that the stamp is probably highly valuable.

The evidence the argument offers in support of that conclusion is that the stamp has a printing error and that it is quite old as well. Furthermore, we're also given the information that the two most important factors in determining a stamp's value are its rarity and age.

Well, we know that the stamp is old. The second factor, check... But what about the first, its rarity. We know that the stamp has a printing error, so an answer choice that bridges the gap in the reasoning between the stamp having a printing error and it therefore being rare would work and we find such an answer expressed in answer choice (B).

It's important here to see what the argument gives us, determine where we want to go, and then find an answer choice that bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

(A) establishes a relative claim. it does seem to support the conclusion that the stamp is valuable, but we need to keep in mind that this answer choice doesn't address the other of the two important factors - rarity. We already knew that age is important, what we don't know is whether this stamp is rare.
(C) is irrelevant. Whether the stamps are in the hands of collectors does not tell us whether or not the stamps are rare or valuable.
(D) is more specific about the two important factors that contribute to a stamp's value. But unfortunately, this doesn't go so far as to tell us that this stamp is rare.
(E) states something we all probably assume to be true, but cannot be used to support the claim that the stamp is highly valuable.

Does that help clear this one up? Let me know if you still have questions here.

How many means a few? I didn't think a few shows rarity...

I chose C as it looks like the stamps that have printing errors which are still on the market are rare... so, they have high market value...

[jamesross25]

(A) establishes a relative claim. it does seem to support the conclusion that the stamp is valuable, but we need to keep in mind that this answer choice doesn't address the other of the two important factors - rarity. We already knew that age is important, what we don't know is whether this stamp is rare.

We know that the stamp is old. How do we know that the age of the stamp does not decrease its value? Perhaps newer rare stamps are more valuable. I don't see how answer A is wrong - it is still a necessary assumption.

[doug.feng]

(A) establishes a relative claim. it does seem to support the conclusion that the stamp is valuable, but we need to keep in mind that this answer choice doesn't address the other of the two important factors - rarity. We already knew that age is important, what we don't know is whether this stamp is rare.

We know that the stamp is old. How do we know that the age of the stamp does not decrease its value? Perhaps newer rare stamps are more valuable. I don't see how answer A is wrong - it is still a necessary assumption.

The argument links together a printing error (conclusion) to making the stamp highly valuable (premise).

(A) links the value of the stamp to its age, rather than the printing error (which is being assumed in the argument).

Age is almost completely irrelevant to the argument core.

[mitrakhanom1]

my problem with answer choice b is that even though it includes printing errors how is it that a few stamps shows rarity or that its highly valuable? I understand we are trying to link the stamp as being highly valuable and that it has a printing error, but I don't see how just because you have a few individual stamps that warrants them being valuable. Is that basic knowledge we are suppose to carry with us or some type of assumption? thanks in advance.

[tommywallach]

Mitra,

Having only a few of something is the definition of rarity!

-t

[ZarkaS555]

To add another explanation to the mix...

The question stem asks us for a sufficient assumption. Answer choice A isn't an assumption, its a premise booster. We already know that older stamps are more valuable. The stimulus says "This stamp is probably highly valuable, since it exhibits a printing error....This is clearly fine specimen, and it is quite old as well." It's indirectly stating that the fact that the stamp is old contributes to it being valuable. But it does NOT say, at any point, what fulfills the rarity condition. Thus, answer choice B fills that blank, making it the sufficient assumption.

[christine.defenbaugh]

Nice thoughts, ZarkaS555!

I think you are right on target to zero in on the rarity issue from the very beginning. Since this is a Sufficient Assumption question, we need to make this argument rock-solid, and the author has only cleanly established two of the three important criteria for value! Without some information about the rarity of this stamp, this argument will always be left wanting.

Good work!

[andrewgong01]

I understand the answer choice "B" but I still think this is not a SA answer choice ( as the question stem asks) and is closer to a NA or Strengthener answer choice. WE only that it is one of the most important factor for determining value so if anything it seems more like rarity is a necessary condition for high value? More importantly, nothing about the stimulus did it say that these important factors ENSURE a valuable stamp.

[ohthatpatrick]

The conclusion says it's "probably highly valuable", so we don't have the burden of proving / ensuring it's highly valuable.

How do you prove / ensure that something is "probably X"?

You establish that in MOST cases like this one, it's X.

Here, they're going off the idea that "if you've satisfied the most important factors for determining value, then you're probably valuable".

All that said, I feel ya that this definitely feels abnormally loose for Sufficient Assumption.

[DavidP715]

Can someone diagram this question? I know it's not needed but it'll help on my conditional work.