Logical Reasoning

PT130 · S1 · Q1 Commentator: Although the present

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Commentator: Although the present freshwater supply is adequate for today's patterns of water use, the human population will increase substantially over the next few decades, drastically increasing the need for freshwater.

Evidence

The human population will increase substantially over the next few decades, drastically increasing the need for freshwater.

Conclusion

Hence, restrictions on water use will be necessary to meet the freshwater needs of humankind in the not-too-distant future.

Evaluate

The argument concludes that restricting water use will be necessary, but an alternative approach also exists. If additional freshwater could be sourced, then there would be sufficient freshwater and no need for water restrictions.

1.

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

  1. Humans will adapt to restrictions

    Out of Scope

    Other natural resources are not relevant to this argument.

    2% picked this

  2. The total supply of freshwater

    Weaken

    This makes it less likely that water restrictions will be needed.

    2% picked this

  3. Correct

    The freshwater supply will not

    Why this is right

    This rules out an alternative approach. In order for the other approach (water restrictions) to be necessary, this approach (additional freshwater supply) must not be available.

    Skill tested: Necessary Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    92% picked this

  4. No attempt to synthesize water

    Too Strong

    Not having an appreciable effect is stronger than not being sufficient to meet additional needs.

    2% picked this

  5. No water conservation measure previously

    Weaken

    This makes it less likely that water restrictions will be necessary.

    2% picked this

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