GMAT : Critical Reasoning (1) assumption

P. 133

To solve the type of argument which deal with new policy and decisive reason( or analysis the cause and effect), we find the primary reason taken for granted (unstated) and we can throw a question whether there could be other reasons or factors drawing conclusion.

Q1.

-Conclusion: businesses in country X would not move into country Y
-Evidence: because country Y proposed the increased minimum per-hour wage in country Y to the same level as country X.
-Assumption:  The most concern to choose the location of business is the cost of labor. (The only or primary reason for business to relocate to country Y is cheaper labor.)


Q2.

Conclusion: Country needs extensive space for more agricultural in order to have national population growth.
Evidence: The U.S population grew slowly after(because) a frontier line was closed.
Assumption:Frontier space was primarily used for agriculture; agriculture is the reason for the population growth from 1790 to 1890; the example of the U.S. is representative of other counties, and there are no examples elsewhere that contradict this argument; statements about rates of growth translate to statement about absolute growth.

P. 134

To find the central assumption, use Critical Thinking to link the terms in the evidence with the terms in the conclusion. If the evidence centers on the relationship b/w A & B, and if the conclusion centers on the relationship b/W C & B, then the central assumption must center on the connection between A & C. 


Conclusion: The perception of job security has an significant impact on vacation.
Evidence: When unemployment rate is high, people take fewer and shorter vacation.
Assumption: when people stay unemployed, they feel insecure in their future. (worker's perceptions of their own job security are in some way related to the unemployment rate)

p.136 Practice set: assumption question

Q1.

This stimulus contains a scope shift, or changing topic b/w evidence and conclusion. To spot scope shifts, look for a brand-new term or idea that appears for the first time in the conclusion without having been mentioned in the evidence.


Conclusion: The price reduction of the Big and Beefy will result in deterioration of health of citizen (new idea).
Evidence: the big and beefy is extremely high in cholesterol.
Assumption: (1) cholesterol is harmful to health of human being.(2) Drop in price will entice people to purchase Big and Beefy burgers instead of lower-cholesterol  food they would otherwise have eaten.

Q2.

Conclusion: the winner of last election was the one who truly elected by choice of people (new idea).
Evidence: Voting in Country X was mandatory so over 99% of voters voted.
Assumption: people vote the way they want.

Q3.


Conclusion: more workers who will get more money are likely to increase.
Evidence: the number of elderly people are increasing.
Assumption: The elderly are likely to require the service of health care workers.