ISAT Identifying Assumptions in Arguments 2

Question 1

Argument: 'Since sales of electric vehicles have increased, air pollution in cities must be decreasing.' What assumption does this argument make?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles are primarily replacing fossil-fuel vehicles rather than being added alongside them

Answer

The argument assumes EVs are substituting for polluting vehicles; if they're being added to existing fleets, total emissions could still rise.

Question 2

Argument: 'Our new drug reduces tumor size in lab mice, so it should be effective in treating human cancer.' Which assumption is this argument most dependent on?

Accepted Answer

Biological mechanisms relevant to tumor reduction are sufficiently similar between mice and humans

Answer

The argument bridges animal and human results by assuming the underlying biology is comparable enough to predict similar outcomes.

Question 3

Argument: 'Attendance at the library has dropped since the internet became widely available; therefore, the internet is making people less interested in reading.' What assumption underlies this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Library attendance is a reliable measure of interest in reading

Answer

The argument assumes that library visits accurately represent reading interest, ignoring that people may read more using digital sources.

Question 4

Argument: 'All top-ranked universities require calculus; Maria attends a top-ranked university, so Maria has studied calculus.' What hidden assumption is present?

Accepted Answer

The requirement to study calculus means students actually complete that study

Answer

The argument assumes that a university requirement translates into students having actually fulfilled it.

Question 5

Argument: 'Organic food sales have tripled; clearly, consumers are becoming more health-conscious.' Which assumption does this rely on?

Accepted Answer

Health consciousness is the primary driver of organic food purchases

Answer

The argument assumes that purchasing organic food is motivated by health concerns rather than environmental, taste, or social factors.

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT Identifying Assumptions in Arguments 2