Necessary AssumptionDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Maude constantly complains about people who love 'stuff,' yet she treats an old watch from her grandmother like a priceless treasure.
Conclusion: Maude is a hypocrite because she criticizes materialism while treating her grandmother's watch with extreme care.
Reasoning: Maude is very fond of the watch, worries about it getting damaged, and stores it in a special box every night.
Analysis: The argument hinges on a specific definition of materialism that includes sentimental attachment to family heirlooms. To prove Maude is a hypocrite, the author must assume that being 'materialistic' includes the kind of behavior Maude displays toward her watch. If materialism only refers to the greedy pursuit of new wealth or status symbols, Maude’s sentimental care for a gift wouldn't actually contradict her stance. Look for an answer that bridges the gap between sentimental value and the broader definition of materialism.
Conclusion: Maude is a hypocrite because she criticizes materialism while treating her grandmother's watch with extreme care.
Reasoning: Maude is very fond of the watch, worries about it getting damaged, and stores it in a special box every night.
Analysis: The argument hinges on a specific definition of materialism that includes sentimental attachment to family heirlooms. To prove Maude is a hypocrite, the author must assume that being 'materialistic' includes the kind of behavior Maude displays toward her watch. If materialism only refers to the greedy pursuit of new wealth or status symbols, Maude’s sentimental care for a gift wouldn't actually contradict her stance. Look for an answer that bridges the gap between sentimental value and the broader definition of materialism.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage4.Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?
Correct Answer
B
B supplies the needed link: if sentimental attachment to a single possession indicates being materialistic, then Maude’s treatment of the watch supports calling her materialistic, making the hypocrisy claim coherent. Negation test: if such attachment does not indicate materialism, then Maude’s watch behavior doesn’t show she’s materialistic, and the hypocrisy conclusion falls apart—so B is necessary.
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