Sufficient AssumptionDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A doctor predicts a worse flu season because we have the same flu types as last year plus a brand new one that has already started spreading.
Conclusion: The number of local flu infections will be higher this year than it was last year.
Reasoning: The area has a new flu strain infecting people in addition to all the strains that were present last year.
Analysis: The doctor's argument has a significant gap: it assumes that the presence of a new strain will automatically increase the total number of cases. However, it is possible that the original strains will be much less active this year, potentially leading to a lower total count despite the new addition. To guarantee the conclusion is true, we need an assumption that ensures the old strains don't drop off significantly. Look for an answer that prevents the 'old' flu cases from decreasing enough to offset the 'new' flu cases.
Conclusion: The number of local flu infections will be higher this year than it was last year.
Reasoning: The area has a new flu strain infecting people in addition to all the strains that were present last year.
Analysis: The doctor's argument has a significant gap: it assumes that the presence of a new strain will automatically increase the total number of cases. However, it is possible that the original strains will be much less active this year, potentially leading to a lower total count despite the new addition. To guarantee the conclusion is true, we need an assumption that ensures the old strains don't drop off significantly. Look for an answer that prevents the 'old' flu cases from decreasing enough to offset the 'new' flu cases.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage12.The conclusion of the doctor’s argument can be properly drawn if which one of the following is assumed?
Correct Answer
E
If there is no decline in cases due to last year’s strains, then adding any new-strain cases (and the premise says some people are infected) makes this year’s total strictly greater than last year’s, so the conclusion follows.
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