Necessary Assumption - LSAT Logical Reasoning
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No Alphas are Xenons, but all Omegas are Xenons. Therefore, no Omegas belong to the class of Homunculus.
Which one of the following assumptions permits the conclusion above to be properly drawn?
No Alphas are Xenons, but all Omegas are Xenons. Therefore, no Omegas belong to the class of Homunculus.
Which one of the following assumptions permits the conclusion above to be properly drawn?
This is a formal logic problem. First, note the conclusion: If Omega, then not Homunculus. Second, note the evidence/premises: If Xenon, then not Alpha (or you can put it in its contrapositive form: If Alpha, then not Xenon).; and If Omega, then Xenon. To find the assumption, look for the missing term in the evidence/premises that does not appear in the conclusion---namely, Alpha. So we can eliminate any answer choice that does not mention Alpha.
To elaborate in order to select the proper answer choice, we can see that the premises come down to this (combining the two propositions): If Omega, then not Alpha. The conclusion states: If Omega, then not Homunculus. Therefore, the assumption has to be If not Alpha, then not Homunculus. Take the contrapositive of that: If H, then A. And that is what credited answer choice states.
This is a formal logic problem. First, note the conclusion: If Omega, then not Homunculus. Second, note the evidence/premises: If Xenon, then not Alpha (or you can put it in its contrapositive form: If Alpha, then not Xenon).; and If Omega, then Xenon. To find the assumption, look for the missing term in the evidence/premises that does not appear in the conclusion---namely, Alpha. So we can eliminate any answer choice that does not mention Alpha.
To elaborate in order to select the proper answer choice, we can see that the premises come down to this (combining the two propositions): If Omega, then not Alpha. The conclusion states: If Omega, then not Homunculus. Therefore, the assumption has to be If not Alpha, then not Homunculus. Take the contrapositive of that: If H, then A. And that is what credited answer choice states.
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Political scientist: Quality public education at the high school level leads to a citizenry more attuned to the problems of the community and of the society at large. But quality public education at the high school level does not necessarily lead to a citizenry capable of discerning which politicians are best equipped to address those problems, since campaign money can distort how arguments for change are presented. Consequently, rapid but foolhardy change may occur in a society that quickly improves its public education system at the high school level but does not address the problem of money in politics.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the political scientist's argument depends?
Political scientist: Quality public education at the high school level leads to a citizenry more attuned to the problems of the community and of the society at large. But quality public education at the high school level does not necessarily lead to a citizenry capable of discerning which politicians are best equipped to address those problems, since campaign money can distort how arguments for change are presented. Consequently, rapid but foolhardy change may occur in a society that quickly improves its public education system at the high school level but does not address the problem of money in politics.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the political scientist's argument depends?
First, identify the conclusion: "Rapid but foolhardy change may occur in a society that quickly improves its public education system at the high school level but does not address the problem of money in politics."
Second, identify the key terms in the evidence/premises with a paraphrase of what is presented in the passage: for example, you might say, "campaign contributions (money in politics) distorts the electoral process."
What key term in the evidence/premises does not appear in the conclusion? Obviously, something relating to unbridled campaign contributions (i.e., the distorting affects of money in politics). That key term or idea must be at work in the assumption, and therefore it must appear in the correct answer choice. So we can quickly eliminate any answer choice that does not speak to this key term or idea.
The credited response speaks directly to the distorting effects of uncontrolled money in politics without the use of extreme language and without resort to unnecessary "ought" or "should" assertions. Note how the wrong answers either use extreme language or resort to claims that urge some kind of action (whereas the argument does not assume something about action that is needed---though it may lead to an INFERENCE that certain action would be wise, but that is not an assumption).
First, identify the conclusion: "Rapid but foolhardy change may occur in a society that quickly improves its public education system at the high school level but does not address the problem of money in politics."
Second, identify the key terms in the evidence/premises with a paraphrase of what is presented in the passage: for example, you might say, "campaign contributions (money in politics) distorts the electoral process."
What key term in the evidence/premises does not appear in the conclusion? Obviously, something relating to unbridled campaign contributions (i.e., the distorting affects of money in politics). That key term or idea must be at work in the assumption, and therefore it must appear in the correct answer choice. So we can quickly eliminate any answer choice that does not speak to this key term or idea.
The credited response speaks directly to the distorting effects of uncontrolled money in politics without the use of extreme language and without resort to unnecessary "ought" or "should" assertions. Note how the wrong answers either use extreme language or resort to claims that urge some kind of action (whereas the argument does not assume something about action that is needed---though it may lead to an INFERENCE that certain action would be wise, but that is not an assumption).
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News programs that have public intellectuals as guests often result in high-level discussions about social issues that many find uncomfortable or disturbing. For example, leftist intellectuals like Noam Chomsky and rightist intellectuals like William F. Buckley often angered and shocked television viewers, precisely because they prompted discussions that question basic assumptions many of us have about ourselves and the world. It is therefore quite clear that news programs on PBS (Public Broadcasting System), because they do not shy away from having controversial public intellectuals as guests, should continue to receive public funding.
Which one of the following is an assumption that the above argument requires in order for its conclusion to be properly drawn?
News programs that have public intellectuals as guests often result in high-level discussions about social issues that many find uncomfortable or disturbing. For example, leftist intellectuals like Noam Chomsky and rightist intellectuals like William F. Buckley often angered and shocked television viewers, precisely because they prompted discussions that question basic assumptions many of us have about ourselves and the world. It is therefore quite clear that news programs on PBS (Public Broadcasting System), because they do not shy away from having controversial public intellectuals as guests, should continue to receive public funding.
Which one of the following is an assumption that the above argument requires in order for its conclusion to be properly drawn?
The conclusion here is readily identifiable. It advocates the use of PUBLIC FUNDS to support PBS news programs. Why? The answer to this "why?" question is our evidence: the appearance of public intellectuals on news programs often lead to high-level discussions that many might find disturbing or controversial. So the assumption needs to speak to the issue of "high-level discussions" that disturb many people since that is a term or idea that does not appear in the conclusion. Moreover, that key term or idea must operate in a way to link the evidence to the key idea in the conclusion, which is the notion of "public funding." The credited response does precisely that, whereas the wrong answer choices tend to go off in irrelevant or non-essential directions.
The conclusion here is readily identifiable. It advocates the use of PUBLIC FUNDS to support PBS news programs. Why? The answer to this "why?" question is our evidence: the appearance of public intellectuals on news programs often lead to high-level discussions that many might find disturbing or controversial. So the assumption needs to speak to the issue of "high-level discussions" that disturb many people since that is a term or idea that does not appear in the conclusion. Moreover, that key term or idea must operate in a way to link the evidence to the key idea in the conclusion, which is the notion of "public funding." The credited response does precisely that, whereas the wrong answer choices tend to go off in irrelevant or non-essential directions.
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A great film is not always appreciated by film critics when it is first released. In fact, many films now considered great were poorly reviewed upon their release; some critics even walked out of the initial screenings. Therefore, we must wait at least twenty years before determining the greatness of any particular film.
Which one of the following is an assumption that the argument requires in order for its conclusion to be properly drawn?
A great film is not always appreciated by film critics when it is first released. In fact, many films now considered great were poorly reviewed upon their release; some critics even walked out of the initial screenings. Therefore, we must wait at least twenty years before determining the greatness of any particular film.
Which one of the following is an assumption that the argument requires in order for its conclusion to be properly drawn?
Nothing in the argument as written explains why the greatness of a film cannot be determined upon its release. To draw that conclusion, the argument requires a connecting premise indicating that a period of time (in this case, twenty years) must elapse to determine greatness because initial impressions might be inaccurate. The other answer choices either restate premises already contained in the argument, or state premises which do not support the conclusion.
Nothing in the argument as written explains why the greatness of a film cannot be determined upon its release. To draw that conclusion, the argument requires a connecting premise indicating that a period of time (in this case, twenty years) must elapse to determine greatness because initial impressions might be inaccurate. The other answer choices either restate premises already contained in the argument, or state premises which do not support the conclusion.
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Advertisement: Most cable companies are misleading you as to their prices. Their strategy is to advertise a low price, then tack on hidden fees after the customer has been “hooked.” The overall cost of that cable subscription often ends up to 20% higher than the advertised price. At Cool Cable, we state the full price of the subscription up front, so you know exactly what kind of deal you’re getting. This will help you make a more informed decision.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the advertisement’s argument depends?
Advertisement: Most cable companies are misleading you as to their prices. Their strategy is to advertise a low price, then tack on hidden fees after the customer has been “hooked.” The overall cost of that cable subscription often ends up to 20% higher than the advertised price. At Cool Cable, we state the full price of the subscription up front, so you know exactly what kind of deal you’re getting. This will help you make a more informed decision.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the advertisement’s argument depends?
The argument states that giving the price up front will help people make a more informed decision than if they are charged hidden fees and given the total price later. For this statement to be valid, it must be true that decisions are less informed in the latter scenario. People’s awareness or preference as to the timing of prices are irrelevant; the key is whether they are more or less informed as a result of a particular advertising strategy.
The argument states that giving the price up front will help people make a more informed decision than if they are charged hidden fees and given the total price later. For this statement to be valid, it must be true that decisions are less informed in the latter scenario. People’s awareness or preference as to the timing of prices are irrelevant; the key is whether they are more or less informed as a result of a particular advertising strategy.
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Nutritionist: Water is often called the “universal elixir” because of its importance to the body in recovering from illnesses as well as maintaining general good health. But water, in and of itself, has little nutritional value. Furthermore, we often have a difficult time getting young people to consume water; they tend to prefer soda or juice because of water’s bland taste. Indeed, over 60% of the liquids consumed on high school campuses are found in soda machines. The solution is found in mineral waters, which contain all the benefits of water, plus nutrients and a distinct taste. Nutrition among our youth would significantly improve if we replaced soda machines in schools with machines containing various types of mineral water.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the nutritionist’s argument depends?
Nutritionist: Water is often called the “universal elixir” because of its importance to the body in recovering from illnesses as well as maintaining general good health. But water, in and of itself, has little nutritional value. Furthermore, we often have a difficult time getting young people to consume water; they tend to prefer soda or juice because of water’s bland taste. Indeed, over 60% of the liquids consumed on high school campuses are found in soda machines. The solution is found in mineral waters, which contain all the benefits of water, plus nutrients and a distinct taste. Nutrition among our youth would significantly improve if we replaced soda machines in schools with machines containing various types of mineral water.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the nutritionist’s argument depends?
Providing students access to healthier liquids would not improve nutrition among students if the students didn’t actually drink the liquids. Therefore, the argument assumes that at least some portion of students (enough to be significant) would replace their normal soda drinking with mineral water drinking. The other answer choices, while they may be relevant, are not required for the argument to be sound.
Providing students access to healthier liquids would not improve nutrition among students if the students didn’t actually drink the liquids. Therefore, the argument assumes that at least some portion of students (enough to be significant) would replace their normal soda drinking with mineral water drinking. The other answer choices, while they may be relevant, are not required for the argument to be sound.
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City officials care a great deal about maintaining man-made structures so as to avoid liability. For instance, officials act quickly when bridges deteriorate to the point of causing concrete to fall on roadways. There can be no doubt that the officials' only concern is liability, because they rarely respond with similar urgency to address branches falling from rotting trees.
Which of the following assumptions is necessary for the conclusion to be properly drawn?
City officials care a great deal about maintaining man-made structures so as to avoid liability. For instance, officials act quickly when bridges deteriorate to the point of causing concrete to fall on roadways. There can be no doubt that the officials' only concern is liability, because they rarely respond with similar urgency to address branches falling from rotting trees.
Which of the following assumptions is necessary for the conclusion to be properly drawn?
The argument seeks to prove that city officials maintain man-made structures only to avoid liability. The conclusion does not follow, though, if officials do not maintain rotting trees even though rotting trees also lead to liability.
The argument seeks to prove that city officials maintain man-made structures only to avoid liability. The conclusion does not follow, though, if officials do not maintain rotting trees even though rotting trees also lead to liability.
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Student: Obtaining student loans will be more beneficial to my future than working full-time while in school. If I obtain student loans for my remaining years in college, I will be in significant debt after I graduate from college. If I do not obtain student loans, and instead secure a full-time job while in school, I will avoid such debt. However, I cannot obtain a job in my chosen field after graduation without good grades, and my grades will suffer greatly if I am working full-time while attending school.
Which one of the following is an assumption required by the student’s argument?
Student: Obtaining student loans will be more beneficial to my future than working full-time while in school. If I obtain student loans for my remaining years in college, I will be in significant debt after I graduate from college. If I do not obtain student loans, and instead secure a full-time job while in school, I will avoid such debt. However, I cannot obtain a job in my chosen field after graduation without good grades, and my grades will suffer greatly if I am working full-time while attending school.
Which one of the following is an assumption required by the student’s argument?
The conclusion of the argument, found in the first sentence, is that obtaining student loans will be more beneficial to the student’s future than working-full time while in college. For this conclusion to follow, it must be the case that the consequences of obtaining such loans (significant debt) are less costly – i.e. more beneficial – than the consequences of working full-time while in school (a drop in grades). The remaining answer choices that are either not helpful to the argument, or are helpful to the argument but not required for the conclusion to logically follow.
The conclusion of the argument, found in the first sentence, is that obtaining student loans will be more beneficial to the student’s future than working-full time while in college. For this conclusion to follow, it must be the case that the consequences of obtaining such loans (significant debt) are less costly – i.e. more beneficial – than the consequences of working full-time while in school (a drop in grades). The remaining answer choices that are either not helpful to the argument, or are helpful to the argument but not required for the conclusion to logically follow.
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Defense attorney: At this point it is abundantly clear that the rich receive better representation in the legal system. Those who can afford private attorneys often spend thousands or even millions of dollars on legal fees. This allows the private attorney to focus exclusively on that client's case, devoting his or her time and resources to it. Meanwhile, the poor are forced to either represent themselves or rely upon an appointed public attorney, who has hundreds of cases that must be handled simultaneously.
Which one of the following is an assumption required by the defense attorney's argument?
Defense attorney: At this point it is abundantly clear that the rich receive better representation in the legal system. Those who can afford private attorneys often spend thousands or even millions of dollars on legal fees. This allows the private attorney to focus exclusively on that client's case, devoting his or her time and resources to it. Meanwhile, the poor are forced to either represent themselves or rely upon an appointed public attorney, who has hundreds of cases that must be handled simultaneously.
Which one of the following is an assumption required by the defense attorney's argument?
The underlying assumptions in the argument are that 1) attorneys who focus exclusively on one case have the time and resources to give better representation than those who don't have such resources; 2) those attorneys also provide better representation than those who represent themselves. The remaining answer choices include assumptions that the defense attorney may be making, but they are not required for the argument to be valid.
The underlying assumptions in the argument are that 1) attorneys who focus exclusively on one case have the time and resources to give better representation than those who don't have such resources; 2) those attorneys also provide better representation than those who represent themselves. The remaining answer choices include assumptions that the defense attorney may be making, but they are not required for the argument to be valid.
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At a particular bakery, sales have increased in each of the last six months. The top-selling item at the bakery is the peanut butter cookie. Due to concerns over nut allergies, the bakery has temporarily taken the peanut butter cookie off the menu and replaced it with the all-new snickerdoodle cookie. It is fair to say that the bakery's sales will not increase for a seventh consecutive month.
Which of the following assumptions does the author's argument rely upon?
At a particular bakery, sales have increased in each of the last six months. The top-selling item at the bakery is the peanut butter cookie. Due to concerns over nut allergies, the bakery has temporarily taken the peanut butter cookie off the menu and replaced it with the all-new snickerdoodle cookie. It is fair to say that the bakery's sales will not increase for a seventh consecutive month.
Which of the following assumptions does the author's argument rely upon?
Regardless of how popular the snickerdoodle cookie turns out to be, the author's argument relies on the assumption that the sale of the peanut butter cookie was so significant to overall sales that its replacement will cause the bakery's overall sales not to increase during the seventh month. Even if the snickerdoodle cookie is as popular as the peanut butter cookie, sales could stop growing for other reasons.
Regardless of how popular the snickerdoodle cookie turns out to be, the author's argument relies on the assumption that the sale of the peanut butter cookie was so significant to overall sales that its replacement will cause the bakery's overall sales not to increase during the seventh month. Even if the snickerdoodle cookie is as popular as the peanut butter cookie, sales could stop growing for other reasons.
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Every winter, a species of North American bird flies south. Every year, the migration begins during the first week of November. For the last fifty years, if the average temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the final week of October, the birds fly southwest. If the average temperature during that time is more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the birds fly southeast. his year, the average temperature during the final week of October is going to be 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the birds will fly in the southeast direction.
Which most correctly describes the necessary assumption(s) that the author makes?
Every winter, a species of North American bird flies south. Every year, the migration begins during the first week of November. For the last fifty years, if the average temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the final week of October, the birds fly southwest. If the average temperature during that time is more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the birds fly southeast. his year, the average temperature during the final week of October is going to be 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the birds will fly in the southeast direction.
Which most correctly describes the necessary assumption(s) that the author makes?
In concluding that the birds will fly southeast, the author assumes there is a causal relationship between the average temperature in the final week of October and the direction in which the birds fly, and that the correlation is not merely coincidental. If the correlation is coincidental, then it will not matter whether the forecast is correct or not.
In concluding that the birds will fly southeast, the author assumes there is a causal relationship between the average temperature in the final week of October and the direction in which the birds fly, and that the correlation is not merely coincidental. If the correlation is coincidental, then it will not matter whether the forecast is correct or not.
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Politician: Building up the military is a necessary part of keeping the nation safe. Other nations will invade our territory if they sense weakness, and having a strong national defense will make other nations think twice before they threaten our borders. Only an impressive military will allow us to make the world safe.
Which of the following is a necessary assumption in the argument made above?
Politician: Building up the military is a necessary part of keeping the nation safe. Other nations will invade our territory if they sense weakness, and having a strong national defense will make other nations think twice before they threaten our borders. Only an impressive military will allow us to make the world safe.
Which of the following is a necessary assumption in the argument made above?
The politican states that the nation must have a strong military to prevent other nations from invading the country's borders. This line of thinking necessarily relies on the assumption that other nations will invade any country whose military is viewed as too weak. If other nations do not think in this manner, then the politican's argument completely falls apart.
The politican states that the nation must have a strong military to prevent other nations from invading the country's borders. This line of thinking necessarily relies on the assumption that other nations will invade any country whose military is viewed as too weak. If other nations do not think in this manner, then the politican's argument completely falls apart.
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Scientist: Much of the marine life has been dying along the coastline for decades. The introduction of foreign fish began thirty years ago, with a small aquaculture development in the southern part of the region. Returning the marine environment to the way it was a century ago will allow a more diverse amount of species to flourish in these waters.
Which of the following is a necessary assumption of the scientist’s argument?
Scientist: Much of the marine life has been dying along the coastline for decades. The introduction of foreign fish began thirty years ago, with a small aquaculture development in the southern part of the region. Returning the marine environment to the way it was a century ago will allow a more diverse amount of species to flourish in these waters.
Which of the following is a necessary assumption of the scientist’s argument?
The passage's main argument is that eliminating the foreign fish species will allow native fish species to flourish in a manner that they used to be able to before the foreign fish were introduced. The assumption that the foreign fish are actually hurting the native fish is necessary for the passage's argument to make logical sense.
The passage's main argument is that eliminating the foreign fish species will allow native fish species to flourish in a manner that they used to be able to before the foreign fish were introduced. The assumption that the foreign fish are actually hurting the native fish is necessary for the passage's argument to make logical sense.
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Each year, fewer students study the humanities. While there might still be interest in the subjects of literature, art history, and philosophy, the financial rewards of studying business, science, and engineering have proven too enticing for most students.
Which of the following is a necessary assumption of the passage?
Each year, fewer students study the humanities. While there might still be interest in the subjects of literature, art history, and philosophy, the financial rewards of studying business, science, and engineering have proven too enticing for most students.
Which of the following is a necessary assumption of the passage?
The passage rather snidely notes that the majors that are most popular are not chosen based on what students actually wish to study. For this argument to work, students must be choosing their college studies entirely based on financial rewards and benefits in their post-college career.
The passage rather snidely notes that the majors that are most popular are not chosen based on what students actually wish to study. For this argument to work, students must be choosing their college studies entirely based on financial rewards and benefits in their post-college career.
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The cheese on a frozen pizza, by the ounce, has the same amount of fat as the cheese on a pizza made at a restaurant. Therefore, the amount of fat in frozen pizza is the same as a pizza made at a restaurant.
The reasoning is flawed because the argument:
The cheese on a frozen pizza, by the ounce, has the same amount of fat as the cheese on a pizza made at a restaurant. Therefore, the amount of fat in frozen pizza is the same as a pizza made at a restaurant.
The reasoning is flawed because the argument:
The question takes a statement about a specific quantity of cheese and applies it to the fat content of all pizzas. It does not consider that pizza can contain different amounts of cheese or that other ingredients may contain fat. The one fact contained in the reasoning, that all cheese on pizzas has the same amount of fat, may throw some people off.
The question takes a statement about a specific quantity of cheese and applies it to the fat content of all pizzas. It does not consider that pizza can contain different amounts of cheese or that other ingredients may contain fat. The one fact contained in the reasoning, that all cheese on pizzas has the same amount of fat, may throw some people off.
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State legislators want to increase production in their state therefore they should provide temporary tax relief for businesses building new factories in the state. Temporary tax relief for businesses building new factories has been shown in other states to increase the number of businesses moving to that state.
The argument depends on the assumption that:
State legislators want to increase production in their state therefore they should provide temporary tax relief for businesses building new factories in the state. Temporary tax relief for businesses building new factories has been shown in other states to increase the number of businesses moving to that state.
The argument depends on the assumption that:
The argument is assuming that increasing the number of businesses moving to the state will also increase productivity in the state. While this might not seem like an assumption because the tax relief incentive has worked in other states, there might be other factors in the state legislator’s state which affect the outcome of their plan.
The argument is assuming that increasing the number of businesses moving to the state will also increase productivity in the state. While this might not seem like an assumption because the tax relief incentive has worked in other states, there might be other factors in the state legislator’s state which affect the outcome of their plan.
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The government of a country mandates that all people who are citizens of that country vote in a general election and only people who are citizens shall vote. Therefore, no people who have immigrated to the country six months or less prior to the general election will vote in the general election, but some immigrants will vote in the general election.
The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following answers is assumed.
The government of a country mandates that all people who are citizens of that country vote in a general election and only people who are citizens shall vote. Therefore, no people who have immigrated to the country six months or less prior to the general election will vote in the general election, but some immigrants will vote in the general election.
The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following answers is assumed.
If the process of becoming a citizen takes longer than six months and only citizens can vote in the general election, then no person who has immigrated in the last six months can vote in the general election. The other answers are intended to throw you off. They all contain facts that are either not relevant, or contradictory of other facts.
If the process of becoming a citizen takes longer than six months and only citizens can vote in the general election, then no person who has immigrated in the last six months can vote in the general election. The other answers are intended to throw you off. They all contain facts that are either not relevant, or contradictory of other facts.
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Some racecars have turbo boosted engines. Some non-racecars also have turbo boosted engines. A governmental agency mandated that all cars and racecars with turbo boosted engines have double-strap seat belts.
Assuming the above facts are true, which of the following must be true?
Some racecars have turbo boosted engines. Some non-racecars also have turbo boosted engines. A governmental agency mandated that all cars and racecars with turbo boosted engines have double-strap seat belts.
Assuming the above facts are true, which of the following must be true?
This was a tricky question, many of the answers were intended to make you focus on facts that were not relevant. The text says only some, not all racecars have turbo boosted engines - and thus double-strap seat belts - therefore, not all cars have the double-straps and we do not know whether or not most racecars have the double strap. Concerning the non-racecars, it may be that there is not a single non-racecar that has a single strap seat belt, there is nothing prohibiting them from all having the double strap.
This was a tricky question, many of the answers were intended to make you focus on facts that were not relevant. The text says only some, not all racecars have turbo boosted engines - and thus double-strap seat belts - therefore, not all cars have the double-straps and we do not know whether or not most racecars have the double strap. Concerning the non-racecars, it may be that there is not a single non-racecar that has a single strap seat belt, there is nothing prohibiting them from all having the double strap.
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Stanley University funds much of its well-known performing arts department with donations from wealthy alumni who are fans of the hockey team. Although the team has won the national championship nine out of the last ten years, this year it did not make it past the regional tournament, so unfortunately Stanley University will probably see fewer donations this year.
The above argument is true if we assume which of the following about Stanley University?
Stanley University funds much of its well-known performing arts department with donations from wealthy alumni who are fans of the hockey team. Although the team has won the national championship nine out of the last ten years, this year it did not make it past the regional tournament, so unfortunately Stanley University will probably see fewer donations this year.
The above argument is true if we assume which of the following about Stanley University?
The question states that alumni donors are fans of the hockey team, but it does not explicitly state that they are only fans if the team wins. The fact that a losing streak for the team would result in fewer donations only follows logically if we assume that these wealthy alumni are more likely to contribute when the hockey team is winning. Some of the other choices could be true, but they are not necessary assumptions in order for the entire argument to be logical.
The question states that alumni donors are fans of the hockey team, but it does not explicitly state that they are only fans if the team wins. The fact that a losing streak for the team would result in fewer donations only follows logically if we assume that these wealthy alumni are more likely to contribute when the hockey team is winning. Some of the other choices could be true, but they are not necessary assumptions in order for the entire argument to be logical.
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Many people believe that abstract art has whatever meaning the viewer assigns to it. However, objective evaluation of abstract art is not possible if this is true, because the aesthetic value of a piece of abstract art cannot be discussed unless at least two viewers agree on the meaning of the art.
Which of the following assumptions is required by the argument above?
Many people believe that abstract art has whatever meaning the viewer assigns to it. However, objective evaluation of abstract art is not possible if this is true, because the aesthetic value of a piece of abstract art cannot be discussed unless at least two viewers agree on the meaning of the art.
Which of the following assumptions is required by the argument above?
A necessary assumption is one that, if negated, would render the argument logically incorect. It is needed in order to fill some sort of logical "gap" from premise to conclusion. The current gap in the argument is the leap from being able to discuss the aesthetic value of art (for which agreement of at least 2 people about the meaning is necessary) to being able to evaluate art objectively. The correct answer fills this gap by making discussion of aesthetic value a necessary condition for objective evaluation. If this were not the case, the entire justification for the argument's conclusion fails.
A necessary assumption is one that, if negated, would render the argument logically incorect. It is needed in order to fill some sort of logical "gap" from premise to conclusion. The current gap in the argument is the leap from being able to discuss the aesthetic value of art (for which agreement of at least 2 people about the meaning is necessary) to being able to evaluate art objectively. The correct answer fills this gap by making discussion of aesthetic value a necessary condition for objective evaluation. If this were not the case, the entire justification for the argument's conclusion fails.
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