Verbal Reasoning: Identifying Assumptions

This is an MCQ quiz on GMAT, which includes questions on Verbal Reasoning (Identifying Assumptions).

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The business model of internet cafes is no longer capable of success in the United States. This is because the availability of internet has skyrocketed over the past several years. Free wifi is offered in most major coffee shops and stores. Additionally, Americans have mobile devices with plans that provide them with internet access. For those without devices, public libraries also provide computers offering internet access, free of charge. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Public libraries are the only accessible locations where anyone can use the internet. Internet cafes were profitable five years ago. Internet cafes can still be profitable in other countries, just not the United States. Internet cafes do not offer any other services, aside from online access, that would enable them to be profitable. Major coffee shops are in direct competition with internet cafes.

Landline telephone sales are declining and will no longer exist in a few decades. This is because almost everyone has cellular service or is able to rely on computer systems for their personal needs. Even in workplaces, landlines are becoming obsolete. The argument depends on which of the following?

Landlines will no longer be necessary for any reason aside from personal or business communication. Pre-installed landlines will be eliminated. Landline sales have been declining for several years now. Personal landlines no longer exist. Workplaces are the only realm in which landlines are used.

Political partisanship is now so out of control that it has irreparably harmed the normal functioning of government. This situation has been created by zealots on both ends of the political spectrum. Our nation’s founders would surely be horrified by this disastrous, new state of affairs. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Government is inherently incapable of getting things done. The nation’s founders were dedicated patriots. Excessive partisanship is the fault of one political party. The current level of political partisanship is unlike anything we have ever experienced. Uncontrolled political partisanship must eventually give way to compromise.

Traditional print journalism is dying. The proliferation of online and cable news sources makes it easy for readers to bypass newspapers and magazines. Since most publications generate advertising revenue based on their circulation, this decline in readership will be fatal to the print journalism industry. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Newspapers and magazines have no other sources of revenue available to them. Cable and online news sources are better than traditional publications. Advertising revenue can be supplemented by other sources of revenue. Traditional publications are better than cable and online news sources. The First Amendment protects freedom of the press, which will ensure the continued survival of print journalism.

Comic books are no longer just for children. They deal with adult themes like government surveillance, terrorism, sexuality, religion, conformity and repression. Although costumed heroes, villains and super powers populate the medium, stories are told in more realistic settings and characters deal with more realistic problems. For this reason, the notion that comic books are merely juvenile, escapist fare is no longer true, if it ever actually was. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

The introduction of mature themes has ruined comic books. Mature themes can coexist with the more fantastical elements of comic books and broaden their appeal to adults. Stories with costumed heroes and villains are inherently appealing to children. The introduction of mature themes has helped comic book characters cross over to more mainstream forms of entertainment, like movies and television. The introduction of mature themes has improved comic books.

Our collective obsession with celebrities and entertainment news is ruining this country. As a nation, we face daunting political, economic, social and environmental problems that threaten our existence. Instead of dealing with these problems, we instead focus on the minute details of even the most minor celebrities. How can we prepare for the challenges of the future when we’re so obsessed with trivia of the present? The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Current fears about political, economic, social and environmental problems are unfounded. The economic impact of the entertainment industry is minimal. All news about celebrities and entertainment is trivial. Political, economic, social and environmental problems are just as important as celebrity news. It is impossible for our society to simultaneously address serious problems and fixate on celebrity gossip.

Humanity’s long-term survival depends on developing the capacity for space travel. Even if we learn to make better use of our natural resources, control population growth and live in harmony with our environment, our sun will eventually die. If our species is to survive, then we must develop the means to find and settle a new planet that we can call home. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Artificial habitats like space stations will be insufficient to ensure the survival of our species after the sun dies. Uncontrolled population growth will inevitably result in the depletion of our natural resources. The development of space travel will turn science fiction into science fact. We have barely scratched the surface in our understanding of the universe. It is vital for our survival that we learn to live in harmony with nature.

The way we treat the most vulnerable members of our society reflects on our own level of moral development. The poor, the homeless, orphans, the mentally ill, prisoners and those afflicted with disease usually lack the political power to advocate on their own behalf. When we address their concerns and make them our own, that is when we show true nobility of spirit. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Society will always be divided between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” Money and political power are inextricably linked. Some people are more deserving of help than others. People in difficult situations must learn to endure. Helping others equates to morality.

Capital punishment needs to be enacted more widely. Today’s criminals know that the appeals process can drag on indefinitely and that executions are becoming increasingly rare. Is it any wonder that our prisons are so overcrowded? Criminals know that their odds of facing the death penalty are the lowest in history. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

The costs of lengthy incarceration are excessive, imposing financial hardship on taxpayers. Criminals rationally calculate the costs and benefits of their actions. The death penalty has never been an effective deterrent to crime. The appeals process is clogging our criminal justice system. Criminals can never be rehabilitated.

Government regulation and red tape are hampering business and stifling our economy. As we compete in the global marketplace, our businesses are falling behind foreign competitors who are free from such constraints. In terms of time and money, the costs of regulatory compliance are simply too high. We would all benefit from deregulation. The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

Our competitors are beating us for a myriad of reasons. Global competition embodies the principle of “survival of the fittest.” Any benefits of government regulation are outweighed by the benefits of deregulation. Nations that have eased restrictions on business pay other serious costs, such as pollution. The global economy has made us all more vulnerable.

Quiz/Test Summary

Title: Verbal Reasoning: Identifying Assumptions

Questions: 10

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