Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Unstated Assumptions Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Argument: 'This medication has been approved by the regulatory authority, so it is safe to take.' What is the key unstated assumption?

Accepted Answer

Regulatory approval guarantees that the medication is safe for all people in all circumstances.

Answer

The regulatory authority is funded by the government.

Answer

The medication was developed by a reputable pharmaceutical company.

Answer

The regulatory authority tested the medication on a large sample.

Question 2

Argument: 'Since Andrea speaks three languages fluently, she will be an excellent translator.' What unstated assumption is the argument making?

Accepted Answer

Speaking multiple languages fluently is sufficient to be an excellent translator.

Answer

Andrea learned all three languages in school.

Answer

Translation is a common career in Andrea's country.

Answer

Andrea has translated documents before.

Question 3

Argument: 'The new park reduced noise complaints in the neighborhood, so it must have reduced noise levels.' What unstated assumption is this making?

Accepted Answer

Residents report noise complaints in proportion to actual noise levels they experience.

Answer

The park was built using government funds.

Answer

Noise complaints were the primary motivation for building the park.

Answer

The park is open 24 hours a day.

Question 4

Argument: 'Lowering interest rates will stimulate the economy by encouraging businesses to borrow and invest.' What is the key unstated assumption?

Accepted Answer

Businesses are currently not investing because borrowing costs are too high, and lower rates will change this decision.

Answer

The central bank controls interest rates.

Answer

Lower interest rates benefit consumers more than businesses.

Answer

The government approves all central bank decisions.

Question 5

Argument: 'If you want to be healthy, you should follow this celebrity's diet plan.' What unstated assumption is the argument making?

Accepted Answer

The diet plan that works for this celebrity will produce similar health results for others.

Answer

The celebrity is paid to endorse the diet plan.

Answer

Being healthy is desirable and should be a goal for everyone.

Answer

The celebrity developed the diet plan themselves.

Question 6

Argument: 'This country needs more hospitals because its population has grown significantly over the last decade.' What unstated assumption is this making?

Accepted Answer

The existing hospital capacity was sufficient for the previous population size but is now insufficient for the larger population.

Answer

Hospitals are more expensive to build now than they were a decade ago.

Answer

Population growth is always accompanied by increased infectious disease.

Answer

The government is responsible for building hospitals.