Critical Reasoning Assumption Mock Tests

TechCorp plans to eliminate all in-person meetings and operate entirely remotely. The CEO argues that since a recent survey showed 85% of employees prefer remote work, the company will see a 20% increase in productivity within the first year. The CEO's argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

The discovery of a previously unknown species of deep-sea squid, which possesses a transparent head and a bioluminescent lure, has challenged biologists' assumptions about the evolution of camouflage in marine predators. The transparent head was thought impossible in a species that relies on stealth to ambush prey, yet the squid's lure serves to distract potential prey rather than to attract the squid's attention. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A) The transparent head is an evolutionary adaptation that evolved independently in this species. B) Biologists had never before observed any marine predator with a transparent body part. C) The bioluminescent lure is not itself visible to the prey species that the squid hunts. D) The squid relies solely on its lure and transparent head for capturing prey, with no other sensory organs involved.

The city of Portville plans to reduce traffic congestion by expanding its public bus system. The mayor argues that since cities that have significantly expanded their bus networks over the past decade have seen a 20% average reduction in peak-hour traffic, Portville can expect similar results after completing its five-year expansion plan. The mayor's argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

The following argument was made at a city council meeting: "We should not raise the property tax rate, because doing so would punish hardworking homeowners who are already struggling with rising costs, and no policy should be adopted that punishes ordinary people." Which of the following identifies the underlying assumption in this argument?

The city councilman stated: "We will not approve the new development project unless the developer agrees to include affordable housing units. Without this requirement, the neighborhood will become unaffordable for long-term residents, and we would be failing our community." Which of the following is an assumption on which the councilman's argument depends?

A technology company plans to switch all its employees to a four-day workweek without reducing pay, arguing that this will improve productivity. The company president cites a trial at a British retail company where employees maintained their output while working fewer hours. The president predicts that the company's overall revenue will increase because the cost savings from reduced office operations will outweigh the cost of paying employees for the same number of hours worked. The president's prediction depends on which of the following assumptions?

Every company that has adopted the new management software has seen an increase in employee productivity. Therefore, any company that wants to increase its employees' productivity should adopt the new management software. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?

Read the passage and answer the question. A new study found that students who attended small private schools scored higher on standardized tests than students who attended large public schools. The study's author concluded that small school size causes better academic performance. Which of the following is an assumption required by the author's argument?