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- Wed Jan 21, 2015 12:00 am
#35439
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14276)
CR, Strengthen. The correct answer choice is (D)
This question asks which of the choices, if true of countries that shifted from graduated to flat tax
systems, would support the position of the second author, who supports a progressive tax system
over a flat tax system.
Answer choice (A): This choice would neither strengthen nor weaken either author’s argument
(though it is consistent with both).
Answer choice (B): If the tax codes have been simplified in the switch from a flat tax system to a
progressive tax system, that would support the argument of the first author, who asserts that a flat tax
is less complex than the systems operating in most developed countries (and that complex tax
codes provide the opportunity for high-income earners to avoid taxes).
Answer choice (C): The beliefs of high-income tax payers are not relevant to either argument, and
would not strengthen the argument presented in the second passage.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. The second author argues that flat taxes are
not entirely sensible because they allow one to jump from paying no tax to paying the highest rate.
The author closes the passage with the point that if the working poor are not paying taxes, and the
wealthy are paying less taxes, under a flat tax the middle class will make up the difference. If, as this
choice provides, middle income earners that have switched to flat tax systems are now paying more,
that would lend support to the argument advanced at the end of the second passage.
Answer choice (E): First, the term “some” is very vague, referring to “at least one.” The fact that at
least one legislator has a preference would not strengthen or weaken either author’s argument.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14276)
CR, Strengthen. The correct answer choice is (D)
This question asks which of the choices, if true of countries that shifted from graduated to flat tax
systems, would support the position of the second author, who supports a progressive tax system
over a flat tax system.
Answer choice (A): This choice would neither strengthen nor weaken either author’s argument
(though it is consistent with both).
Answer choice (B): If the tax codes have been simplified in the switch from a flat tax system to a
progressive tax system, that would support the argument of the first author, who asserts that a flat tax
is less complex than the systems operating in most developed countries (and that complex tax
codes provide the opportunity for high-income earners to avoid taxes).
Answer choice (C): The beliefs of high-income tax payers are not relevant to either argument, and
would not strengthen the argument presented in the second passage.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. The second author argues that flat taxes are
not entirely sensible because they allow one to jump from paying no tax to paying the highest rate.
The author closes the passage with the point that if the working poor are not paying taxes, and the
wealthy are paying less taxes, under a flat tax the middle class will make up the difference. If, as this
choice provides, middle income earners that have switched to flat tax systems are now paying more,
that would lend support to the argument advanced at the end of the second passage.
Answer choice (E): First, the term “some” is very vague, referring to “at least one.” The fact that at
least one legislator has a preference would not strengthen or weaken either author’s argument.
