Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Unstated Assumptions Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Statement: 'Switching to renewable energy will reduce our company's carbon footprint.' Proposed assumption: Renewable energy produces fewer carbon emissions than the company's current energy source. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Not Made
- Cannot Determine
- Made (Correct answer)
- Partially Made
Correct answer: Made
The assumption IS made because a switch to renewables can only reduce carbon footprint if renewables emit less carbon than the current source.
Question 2: Statement: 'Advertise your business on social media to reach younger customers.' Proposed assumption: Younger customers use social media more than older customers. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Made (Correct answer)
- Not Made
- Partially Made
- Cannot Determine
Correct answer: Made
The assumption IS made because targeting younger customers via social media only makes sense if younger people are more active there.
Question 3: Statement: 'Don't eat before swimming or you'll get cramps.' Proposed assumption: Every swimmer who eats beforehand will get cramps. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Made
- Cannot Determine
- Partially Made
- Not Made (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Not Made
The assumption is NOT made; the warning implies a risk of cramps, not a certainty for every swimmer.
Question 4: Statement: 'Buy tickets in advance to guarantee your seat at the concert.' Proposed assumption: The concert may sell out if tickets are not purchased early. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Not Made
- Partially Made
- Cannot Determine
- Made (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Made
The assumption IS made because advising advance purchase to 'guarantee' a seat implies seats are limited and may be unavailable later.
Question 5: Statement: 'Eating more fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight.' Proposed assumption: Fruits and vegetables have fewer calories than most foods people would otherwise eat. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Cannot Determine
- Made (Correct answer)
- Not Made
- Partially Made
Correct answer: Made
The assumption IS made because the claim that eating more produce leads to weight loss assumes a caloric or nutritional advantage over alternatives.
Question 6: Statement: 'Our new software update will make your device run faster.' Proposed assumption: The device's current software is responsible for its slow speed. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Made (Correct answer)
- Partially Made
- Not Made
- Cannot Determine
Correct answer: Made
The assumption IS made because a software update improving speed implies current software is a factor causing slowness.
Question 7: Statement: 'The best way to learn a new language is through immersion.' Proposed assumption: Immersion is more effective than all other language-learning methods for every learner. Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?
- Made
- Cannot Determine
- Partially Made
- Not Made (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Not Made
The assumption is NOT made; saying immersion is the 'best way' is a general claim, not that it is universally superior for every individual.
Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Unstated Assumptions Questions and Answers 4
Statement: 'Switching to renewable energy will reduce our company's carbon footprint.' Proposed assumption: Renewable energy produces fewer carbon emissions than the company's current energy source.
Is this assumption MADE or NOT MADE?