Necessary AssumptionDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: We have enough water for now, but the population is about to explode. Because more people means more water usage, we are going to have to start limiting how much water each person uses.
Conclusion: Water use restrictions will be required in the near future to satisfy human needs.
Reasoning: While the current water supply is sufficient, the population is expected to grow significantly, which will increase the total demand for freshwater.
Analysis: The commentator assumes that the only way to handle increased demand is to restrict usage. But what if we find new ways to get water? For this argument to hold, we must assume that the total supply of freshwater won't increase enough to keep up with the new population. If we could suddenly desalinate ocean water cheaply or find massive new underground aquifers, restrictions wouldn't be 'necessary.' Look for an answer that addresses the lack of a significant supply increase.
Conclusion: Water use restrictions will be required in the near future to satisfy human needs.
Reasoning: While the current water supply is sufficient, the population is expected to grow significantly, which will increase the total demand for freshwater.
Analysis: The commentator assumes that the only way to handle increased demand is to restrict usage. But what if we find new ways to get water? For this argument to hold, we must assume that the total supply of freshwater won't increase enough to keep up with the new population. If we could suddenly desalinate ocean water cheaply or find massive new underground aquifers, restrictions wouldn't be 'necessary.' Look for an answer that addresses the lack of a significant supply increase.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage1.Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
Correct Answer
C
C says the freshwater supply will not increase sufficiently to meet the increased needs. That is exactly what must be true for restrictions to be necessary. Negation test: Suppose the supply will increase sufficiently to meet the increased needs—then restrictions would not be necessary. This destroys the conclusion, so C is required.
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