ISAT - International Student Admissions Test International Student Admissions Identifying Assumptions in Arguments 1

Question 1

A university administrator argues: 'Since our graduates earn 30% more than the national average, attending our university is a worthwhile investment.' What is the most critical unstated assumption?

Accepted Answer

The higher earnings are caused by attending the university rather than by other factors such as student selection.

Answer

The argument assumes a causal relationship between attending the university and higher earnings, but the higher salaries could simply reflect that the university admits students who were already high-achievers likely to earn more regardless of where they studied. Without ruling out this selection bias, the conclusion does not follow.

Question 2

A health campaign states: 'Countries with higher rates of bicycle use have lower rates of heart disease, so encouraging cycling will reduce heart disease in our population.' What assumption underlies this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between cycling rates and heart disease is causal, not merely correlational.

Answer

The argument moves from a statistical association to a policy recommendation, assuming that cycling itself causes lower heart disease rates. However, both could be caused by a third factor, such as overall lifestyle habits or urban design. The assumption of causation rather than mere correlation is essential to the argument.

Question 3

A technology company argues: 'Our new productivity software increased output by 25% at the three firms that piloted it, so rolling it out company-wide will produce the same gains.' What is the hidden assumption?

Accepted Answer

The three pilot firms were representative of all departments and working conditions across the company.

Answer

The conclusion relies on the assumption that the pilot firms are representative of the broader organisation. If the pilot firms differed in size, staff skill level, or task type, the results may not generalise. Without this assumption, the 25% gain cannot reliably be projected company-wide.

Question 4

A politician claims: 'We should lower the corporate tax rate because countries that have done so have seen increased foreign investment.' What must be assumed for this argument to hold?

Accepted Answer

The tax rate reduction, rather than other concurrent policy changes, was responsible for the investment increase.

Answer

The argument assumes that the tax cut specifically caused the rise in investment, but those countries may have simultaneously improved infrastructure, reduced regulation, or benefited from broader global economic trends. Without isolating the tax cut as the causal factor, the comparison does not support the recommendation.

Question 5

A school counsellor advises: 'Students who read for pleasure for at least 20 minutes a day consistently score higher on verbal reasoning tests, so you should read daily to improve your scores.' What assumption is this advice making?

Accepted Answer

The reading habit causes the higher scores rather than both being products of an underlying aptitude or motivation.

Answer

The counsellor assumes that daily reading produces better scores, but it is equally possible that students who are naturally stronger verbal reasoners are also more inclined to read for pleasure. The advice requires the assumption that the activity itself drives the outcome, not that both stem from a common underlying trait.

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test International Student Admissions Identifying Assumptions in Arguments 1