Assumption Made
Assumption Not Made
Assumption Made
Assumption Not Made
Assumption Made
Assumption Not Made
We forecast that completion of the development of supercomputers will be followed by a shortage of people who know how to make use of all this computing power.
Proposed assumption: It's only a matter of time until the development of supercomputers will be completed.
The primary passage of text simply presents you with a hypothetical scenario (the completion of the development of supercomputers); it gives no indication of whether this might actually be achievable in reality, let alone a timeline for its achievement. This lack of certainty means that the maker of the primary statement does not rely on the proposed assumption to support their forecast; the primary statement stands even if the development of supercomputers is never completed.
To give a more obvious, yet somewhat analogous example, the statement "we forecast that an alien invasion will force the nations of this world to work together cohesively" does not rely on the assumption that aliens will at some point invade our planet. It’s simply saying that if that scenario were to arise, the nations of the world would need to work together cohesively.
About 330 marketing professionals attended this year’s Media Innovation Forum. This indicates that social media engagement is a substantial feature of brand marketing plans.
Proposed assumption: The proportion of marketing industry professionals who attended the Media Innovation Forum is not negligible.
To start with, you must remember that the whole of the primary passage must be accepted as being true, meaning 330 marketing professionals did attend, and as a result, it has been concluded that social media engagement is a substantial feature of brand marketing plans more generally.
Now, according to the primary passage, the number of people who attended the Media Innovations Forum (which we can safely accept counts as a professional media forum) was sufficiently significant to enable the maker of the statements in the primary passage to recognise a noticeable trend in the marketing world. It wouldn’t be possible to derive a broad industry trend if the maker of that statement believed that the extent of the attendance at the Media Innovation Forum is negligible, as a negligible attendance wouldn’t represent a significant enough proportion of the industry to derive a broader industry trend.
Remember, you are not asked to decide whether the assumption is reasonable; only whether the maker of the statements in the primary passage of text must have based their statements on that assumption.
Ethics committee member: "This person was the proctor at the exam during which the two students were caught allegedly cheating. Yet she claims to recognise the student who was giving the answers but not the student who was getting the answers. Therefore, the proctor's testimony should be excluded."
Proposed assumption: If a proctor claims to recognise both parties involved in cheating, then the proctor's testimony should be included.
The primary passage sets out one reason for disqualifying a proctor’s testimony, but it does not state that the absence of that reason should automatically validate the proctor’s testimony (and remember, you can’t assume this based on your own knowledge or logic).
There may be various other requirements that need to be met before the testimony can be included – even if the proctor claims to recognise both parties involved in cheating - for example proof of the proctor’s impartiality, evidence that they have accumulated a minimum number of years of experience as a proctor, confirmation that they are of sound mind etc.
To give a more obvious, but somewhat analogous example, the statement: “If you are not an American citizen, you cannot run for president” doesn’t mean that if you are an American citizen, you automatically have the right to run for president. Citizenship is not the only requirement that must be met before you qualify to do so.
Although the tech industry often requires software developers to have computer science degrees because it's believed to enhance long-term career prospects, this practice limits the diversity of talent that could drive innovation. It's often the practical coding experience gained outside formal education that creates exceptional developers.
Proposed assumption: The tech industry prioritises academic qualifications over practical experience when hiring software developers.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that the tech industry “often requires” computer science degrees, which implies that academic qualifications are prioritised over practical experience. For this to make sense, the maker of the primary statement must have relied upon this proposed assumption.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 3, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443909, 105443910 ] }, { "id": 29331501, "prompt": "Although the tech industry often requires software developers to have computer science degrees because it's believed to enhance long-term career prospects, this practice limits the diversity of talent that could drive innovation. It's often the practical coding experience gained outside formal education that creates exceptional developers.
Proposed assumption: Without a computer science degree, it is impossible to secure a job as a software developer in the tech industry.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that degrees are often required but does not claim they are always required or that hiring without one is impossible. The primary passage therefore does not rely on the proposed assumption.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 4, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443911, 105443912 ] }, { "id": 29331502, "prompt": "Although the tech industry often requires software developers to have computer science degrees because it's believed to enhance long-term career prospects, this practice limits the diversity of talent that could drive innovation. It's often the practical coding experience gained outside formal education that creates exceptional developers.
Proposed assumption: A lack of diversity in the tech industry could negatively impact innovation.
", "text_explanation": "The passage argues that requiring degrees limits diversity and then states that diversity…could drive innovation. This means the argument relies on the assumption that a lack of diversity could have a negative impact on innovation.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 5, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443913, 105443914 ] }, { "id": 29331503, "prompt": "Although the tech industry often requires software developers to have computer science degrees because it's believed to enhance long-term career prospects, this practice limits the diversity of talent that could drive innovation. It's often the practical coding experience gained outside formal education that creates exceptional developers.
Proposed assumption: Practical coding experience is a more accurate measure of a developer's ability than formal education.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that practical coding experience creates exceptional developers, but it does not directly compare it to formal education or claim that it is more accurate as a measure of ability. The maker of the primary statement does not therefore rely on the proposed assumption (in other words, the primary passage still makes sense even if the proposed assumption is wrong).", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 6, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443915, 105443916 ] }, { "id": 29331504, "prompt": "Although the tech industry often requires software developers to have computer science degrees because it's believed to enhance long-term career prospects, this practice limits the diversity of talent that could drive innovation. It's often the practical coding experience gained outside formal education that creates exceptional developers.
Proposed assumption: The requirement for computer science degrees in software development roles may exclude talented individuals.
", "text_explanation": "The passage claims that requiring degrees “limits the diversity of talent”, which suggests that some talented individuals without degrees may be excluded. The argument depends on this assumption; if all skilled individuals could still get hired regardless of degree requirements, the argument about limiting diversity would not hold up.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 7, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443917, 105443918 ] }, { "id": 29331505, "prompt": "The city council has proposed a new public transport system to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. They believe that improving public transport will encourage more residents to use it instead of their cars.
Proposed assumption: Traffic congestion and pollution are problems in the city.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that the city council is introducing a new public transport system “to reduce traffic congestion and pollution”. This implies that these issues already exist; otherwise, there would be no need for a solution. The argument therefore takes for granted the assumption that traffic congestion and pollution are problems in the city.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 8, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443919, 105443920 ] }, { "id": 29331506, "prompt": "The city council has proposed a new public transport system to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. They believe that improving public transport will encourage more residents to use it instead of their cars.
Proposed assumption: Many residents currently prefer using their cars over public transport.
", "text_explanation": "The passage suggests that the city council “believes” improving public transport will encourage more people to use it “instead of their cars”. This assumes that, at present, many residents prefer driving rather than taking public transport. If this weren’t the case, there would be no need to encourage a shift in behaviour.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 9, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443921, 105443922 ] }, { "id": 29331507, "prompt": "The city council has proposed a new public transport system to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. They believe that improving public transport will encourage more residents to use it instead of their cars.
Proposed assumption: The new public transport system will be affordable for residents.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that the city council believes improving public transport will encourage usage, but it does not mention affordability. While cost could be a factor in influencing public transport use, the argument does not take for granted that the new system will be affordable.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 10, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443923, 105443924 ] }, { "id": 29331508, "prompt": "The city council has proposed a new public transport system to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. They believe that improving public transport will encourage more residents to use it instead of their cars.
Proposed assumption: If public transport improves, more residents will choose to use it.
", "text_explanation": "The passage explicitly states that the council “believes” better public transport will lead to increased usage. This belief must be based on the assumption that improving the system will, in fact, lead to behaviour change among residents. Without this assumption, the council’s reasoning for putting the new system in place would not hold.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 11, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443925, 105443926 ] }, { "id": 29331509, "prompt": "The city council has proposed a new public transport system to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. They believe that improving public transport will encourage more residents to use it instead of their cars.
Proposed assumption: The city council has the necessary funds to implement the new public transport system.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that the council “has proposed” the new system, but it does not indicate whether funding is secured. The proposal does not necessarily mean that financial resources are available, so the primary statement does not rely on this assumption made.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 12, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443927, 105443928 ] }, { "id": 29331510, "prompt": "A recent study found that students who study in groups perform better in exams than those who study alone. The school administration now plans to implement mandatory group study sessions for all classes.
Proposed assumption: Group study has an impact on exam performance.
", "text_explanation": "The passage states that a study found “students who study in groups perform better”, which would only make sense if it was assumed that group study had some impact on exam performance. ", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 13, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443929, 105443930 ] }, { "id": 29331511, "prompt": "A recent study found that students who study in groups perform better in exams than those who study alone. The school administration now plans to implement mandatory group study sessions for all classes.
Proposed assumption: All students will benefit from mandatory group study sessions.
", "text_explanation": "The primary statement does not rely on the assumption that every single student will benefit from group study sessions. As long as some students benefit, the primary statement makes sense.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 14, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443931, 105443932 ] }, { "id": 29331512, "prompt": "A recent study found that students who study in groups perform better in exams than those who study alone. The school administration now plans to implement mandatory group study sessions for all classes.
Proposed assumption: The school administration trusts the findings of the study.
", "text_explanation": "The school administration is implementing mandatory group study sessions in light of the study’s findings. This action indicates that they trust the study’s conclusions. If they did not trust the findings, they would not base their policy on them.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 15, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443933, 105443934 ] }, { "id": 29331513, "prompt": "A recent study found that students who study in groups perform better in exams than those who study alone. The school administration now plans to implement mandatory group study sessions for all classes.
Proposed assumption: Group study is a key driver in improved exam results.
", "text_explanation": "The primary statement explains that the school is planning to implement “mandatory group study sessions”, which makes sense if group study is an important driver for improved exam results.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 16, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443935, 105443936 ] }, { "id": 29331514, "prompt": "A recent study found that students who study in groups perform better in exams than those who study alone. The school administration now plans to implement mandatory group study sessions for all classes.
Proposed assumption: More intelligent students tend to study in groups more so than less intelligent students.
", "text_explanation": "The passage explains that a study found students who study in groups tend to “perform better in exams” than those who study alone. This seems to apply broadly across students, and the passage doesn’t provide any information about the intelligence of students, so this assumption is not made.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 17, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443937, 105443938 ] }, { "id": 29331515, "prompt": "A recent study found that students who study in groups perform better in exams than those who study alone. The school administration now plans to implement mandatory group study sessions for all classes.
Proposed assumption: The school administration believes academic performance is important.
", "text_explanation": "The administration is implementing a policy aimed at improving exam results. This assumes that they prioritise academic performance, otherwise they wouldn’t take action based on the study’s findings.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 18, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443939, 105443940 ] }, { "id": 29331516, "prompt": "A local bakery claims that its organic ingredients make its products healthier than those made with conventional ingredients. They plan to market this health benefit to attract more customers.
Proposed assumption: Products made with organic ingredients are healthier than those made with conventional ingredients.
", "text_explanation": "The bakery claims that its organic ingredients make its products healthier, meaning they assume that organic ingredients inherently provide a health benefit. Without this assumption, their claim would not follow.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 19, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443941, 105443942 ] }, { "id": 29331517, "prompt": "A local bakery claims that its organic ingredients make its products healthier than those made with conventional ingredients. They plan to market this health benefit to attract more customers.
Proposed assumption: Customers care about the health benefits of the food they buy.
", "text_explanation": "The bakery plans to market its products based on their “health benefits”. This decision must be based on the assumption that customers are interested in buying food based on health considerations, otherwise this marketing strategy would be ineffective/pointless.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 20, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443943, 105443944 ] }, { "id": 29331518, "prompt": "A local bakery claims that its organic ingredients make its products healthier than those made with conventional ingredients. They plan to market this health benefit to attract more customers.
Proposed assumption: Using organic ingredients affects the taste of the bakery’s products.
", "text_explanation": "The passage focuses on “health benefits”, not taste. It does not claim that organic ingredients change the flavour of the products, so does not rely on this particular assumption.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 21, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443945, 105443946 ] }, { "id": 29331519, "prompt": "A local bakery claims that its organic ingredients make its products healthier than those made with conventional ingredients. They plan to market this health benefit to attract more customers.
Proposed assumption: The bakery expects to increase its customer base by promoting the health benefits of its products.
", "text_explanation": "The bakery plans to market the health benefits of its products “to attract more customers”. This assumes that emphasising health benefits will lead to more people buying from them. If they did not believe this, they would have no reason to base their marketing strategy on health claims.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 22, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443947, 105443948 ] }, { "id": 29331520, "prompt": "A local bakery claims that its organic ingredients make its products healthier than those made with conventional ingredients. They plan to market this health benefit to attract more customers.
Proposed assumption: Some customers will choose the bakery’s products specifically because of their organic ingredients.
", "text_explanation": "The bakery is marketing its products based on health benefits from organic ingredients. This assumes that at least some customers make purchasing decisions based on whether ingredients are organic.", "quiz_id": 1211452, "position": 23, "display_type": "radio", "choice_ids": [ 105443949, 105443950 ] } ] }