ISAT - International Student Admissions Identifying Assumptions in Arguments 2

Question 1

A school board argues: 'By reducing class sizes from 30 to 20 students, we will significantly improve student performance.' What unstated assumption is most critical?

Accepted Answer

That student performance is primarily limited by individual teacher attention, which smaller classes would increase

Answer

That the school has enough classrooms

Answer

That parents support smaller classes

Answer

That teachers prefer smaller classes

Question 2

'Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning because students can access the same materials digitally.' What does this assume?

Accepted Answer

That access to materials is the primary determinant of learning effectiveness, and in-person elements add no significant value

Answer

That all students prefer online learning

Answer

That online platforms are easy to use

Answer

That internet access is universal

Question 3

A mayor claims: 'Building a new sports stadium will revitalize the downtown economy.' What is the most critical hidden assumption?

Accepted Answer

That the stadium will generate net new economic activity rather than merely redistributing existing spending from other local businesses

Answer

That the city has the budget

Answer

That residents enjoy sports

Answer

That the stadium will be attractive

Question 4

'Raising the legal driving age to 18 will reduce traffic accidents because younger drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in crashes.' What assumption is required?

Accepted Answer

That the higher accident rate is due to age-related factors rather than inexperience, and delaying driving won't simply shift the problem to 18-year-olds

Answer

That public transportation is available for those under 18

Answer

That most accidents involve drivers under 18

Answer

That 18-year-olds are more responsible

Question 5

'Companies with wellness programs see 25% fewer sick days. All companies should implement wellness programs.' What assumption links evidence to recommendation?

Accepted Answer

That the companies studied are representative and the programs caused the reduction rather than being correlated with other health-promoting factors

Answer

That employees want wellness programs

Answer

That 25% is significant

Answer

That programs are affordable

Question 6

'The discovery of water on Mars means we are closer to establishing human colonies there.' What fundamental assumption bridges this gap?

Accepted Answer

That water availability is a primary limiting factor for colonization, and the discovered water is accessible and sufficient

Answer

That humans want to live on Mars

Answer

That space agencies have the budget

Answer

That rockets can reach Mars