Necessary AssumptionDiff: Hard
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: The boss is moving the office to a fancy area where most workers cannot afford to live nearby, so the author figures most workers will end up with a long commute.
Conclusion: After the move, the majority of Acme's employees will have to commute for more than half an hour.
Reasoning: Most employees are unable to afford homes that are located within a 30-minute radius of the new office location.
Analysis: The argument assumes that if you cannot afford to live within 30 minutes, you will not live within 30 minutes. But what if these employees already live within 30 minutes of Ocean View, or what if they choose to rent small apartments or live in low-cost housing that the author did not consider? For the conclusion to hold, the argument must assume that these employees do not already live near the new location and will not find some other way to live nearby despite the high costs. It is a bold assumption to think everyone's current home is far away just because the new neighborhood is pricey.
Conclusion: After the move, the majority of Acme's employees will have to commute for more than half an hour.
Reasoning: Most employees are unable to afford homes that are located within a 30-minute radius of the new office location.
Analysis: The argument assumes that if you cannot afford to live within 30 minutes, you will not live within 30 minutes. But what if these employees already live within 30 minutes of Ocean View, or what if they choose to rent small apartments or live in low-cost housing that the author did not consider? For the conclusion to hold, the argument must assume that these employees do not already live near the new location and will not find some other way to live nearby despite the high costs. It is a bold assumption to think everyone's current home is far away just because the new neighborhood is pricey.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage18.The argument requires assuming which one of the following?
Correct Answer
E
It rules out a key underminer. If employees receive a significant pay raise, many could newly afford housing within 30 minutes, defeating the conclusion that most will have longer commutes. Negation test: if Acme’s move will be accompanied by a significant pay raise, the argument’s conclusion could be false. Therefore, E is required.
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