Nutritionist: Water is often called the “universal elixir” because of its importance to the body in recovering from illnesses as well as maintaining general good health.  But water, in and of itself, has little nutritional value.  Furthermore, we often have a difficult time getting young people to consume water; they tend to prefer soda or juice because of water’s bland taste.  Indeed, over 60% of the liquids consumed on high school campuses are found in soda machines.  The solution is found in mineral waters, which contain all the benefits of water, plus nutrients and a distinct taste.  Nutrition among our youth would significantly improve if we replaced soda machines in schools with machines containing various types of mineral water.  

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the nutritionist’s argument depends?

City officials care a great deal about maintaining man-made structures so as to avoid liability.  For instance, officials act quickly when bridges deteriorate to the point of causing concrete to fall on roadways.  There can be no doubt that the officials' only concern is liability, because they rarely respond with similar urgency to address branches falling from rotting trees. 

Which of the following assumptions is necessary for the conclusion to be properly drawn?

Student: Obtaining student loans will be more beneficial to my future than working full-time while in school.  If I obtain student loans for my remaining years in college, I will be in significant debt after I graduate from college.  If I do not obtain student loans, and instead secure a full-time job while in school, I will avoid such debt.  However, I cannot obtain a job in my chosen field after graduation without good grades, and my grades will suffer greatly if I am working full-time while attending school.  

Which one of the following is an assumption required by the student’s argument?

The campaign for increased care of the environment is doomed to fail.  At this point, nothing can be done to prevent the melting of polar ice caps.  The melting would continue even if all conduct harmful to the environment ended today.  It is simply too late to stop the inevitable melting.

Which of the following must be assumed in order for the conclusion to be properly drawn?

Defense attorney: At this point it is abundantly clear that the rich receive better representation in the legal system.  Those who can afford private attorneys often spend thousands or even millions of dollars on legal fees.  This allows the private attorney to focus exclusively on that client's case, devoting his or her time and resources to it.  Meanwhile, the poor are forced to either represent themselves or rely upon an appointed public attorney, who has hundreds of cases that must be handled simultaneously.

Which one of the following is an assumption required by the defense attorney's argument?

At a particular bakery, sales have increased in each of the last six months. The top-selling item at the bakery is the peanut butter cookie. Due to concerns over nut allergies, the bakery has temporarily taken the peanut butter cookie off the menu and replaced it with the all-new snickerdoodle cookie. It is fair to say that the bakery's sales will not increase for a seventh consecutive month.

Which of the following assumptions does the author's argument rely upon?

Every winter, a species of North American bird flies south. Every year, the migration begins during the first week of November. For the last fifty years, if the average temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the final week of October, the birds fly southwest. If the average temperature during that time is more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the birds fly southeast.  his year, the average temperature during the final week of October is going to be 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the birds will fly in the southeast direction.

Which most correctly describes the necessary assumption(s) that the author makes?

Politician: Building up the military is a necessary part of keeping the nation safe. Other nations will invade our territory if they sense weakness, and having a strong national defense will make other nations think twice before they threaten our borders. Only an impressive military will allow us to make the world safe.

Which of the following is a necessary assumption in the argument made above?

Scientist: Much of the marine life has been dying along the coastline for decades. The introduction of foreign fish began thirty years ago, with a small aquaculture development in the southern part of the region. Returning the marine environment to the way it was a century ago will allow a more diverse amount of species to flourish in these waters.

Which of the following is a necessary assumption of the scientist’s argument?

Each year, fewer students study the humanities. While there might still be interest in the subjects of literature, art history, and philosophy, the financial rewards of studying business, science, and engineering have proven too enticing for most students.

Which of the following is a necessary assumption of the passage?