Necessary AssumptionDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: We only have summer breaks because kids used to have to help on the farm. Since most of us don't farm anymore, we should get rid of those long breaks to help the students.
Conclusion: Long breaks should be removed from the school calendar.
Reasoning: The original reason for long breaks (farming needs) is no longer relevant to most citizens, allowing us to prioritize the interests of children.
Analysis: The author assumes that because the original reason for the breaks is gone, the breaks themselves are no longer beneficial or serve the 'interests of children.' There's a gap between 'we don't need them for farming' and 'we should get rid of them for the kids' sake.' The argument needs to assume that these long breaks are not actually in the best interest of children today. If they were beneficial for other reasons, the conclusion wouldn't follow. Look for an answer that addresses whether these breaks currently serve children's interests.
Conclusion: Long breaks should be removed from the school calendar.
Reasoning: The original reason for long breaks (farming needs) is no longer relevant to most citizens, allowing us to prioritize the interests of children.
Analysis: The author assumes that because the original reason for the breaks is gone, the breaks themselves are no longer beneficial or serve the 'interests of children.' There's a gap between 'we don't need them for farming' and 'we should get rid of them for the kids' sake.' The argument needs to assume that these long breaks are not actually in the best interest of children today. If they were beneficial for other reasons, the conclusion wouldn't follow. Look for an answer that addresses whether these breaks currently serve children's interests.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage1.Which one of the following is an assumption on which the editorial's argument depends?
Correct Answer
E
E directly bridges the gap: it says a calendar without long breaks serves children’s interests more than one with long breaks. Negation test: if a no-long-break calendar does not serve children’s interests more, then the editorial’s reason for removal (serving children) evaporates, and the argument collapses. So E is necessary.
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