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How to Diagram

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:04 pm
by josemnz83
I'm working on an LSAT problem and trying to diagram the following two premises from the problem.

Question: Many of the presidents and prime ministers who have had the most successful foreign policies had no prior experience in foreign affairs when they assumed office. Altough scholars and diplomats in the sacrosanct inner circle of international affairs would have us think otherwise, anyone with an acute political sense, and a highly developed ability to absorb and retain information can quickly learn to conduct a successful foreign policy. In fact, prior experience alone will be of little value to a foreign policymaker who lacks all three of these traits.
If all of the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?

I understand why all of the incorrect answers are wrong. However, I am not sure why the correct answer is B. Is there a way to diagram the first and last sentences of this argument?

B) Prior experience in foreign affairs is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition for a president or prime minister to have a successful foreign policy.

Thanks!

Re: How to Diagram

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:09 pm
by rinkrat19
I don't diagram, but this is how I thought it out:

Many of the presidents and prime ministers who have had the most successful foreign policies had no prior experience in foreign affairs when they assumed office ==> prior experience is not neccessary

In fact, prior experience alone will be of little value to a foreign policymaker who lacks all three of these traits ==> prior experience is not sufficient

Re: How to Diagram

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:18 pm
by cc.celina
This seems like a waste of time to diagram, so I wouldn't. Rinkrat has the right idea

Re: How to Diagram

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:45 pm
by josemnz83
Thanks!