Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 88%

Which of the following inferences from the passage is best classified as an assumption?

Rationale

Sea levels around the world are rising because water expands when it warms.

This statement reflects an underlying assumption about the relationship between temperature and water behavior. While this inference is widely accepted in scientific discourse, it is not explicitly stated in the passage, making it a foundational assumption for the argument presented.

A (Warming ocean waters will put all fishers out of business.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement makes a definitive claim about the impact of warming oceans on fishers. However, it is not an assumption since it presents a specific outcome rather than a foundational belief necessary for the argument's validity. The passage does not directly assert that all fishers will be affected in this extreme manner.

C (Ocean water is combining with water from melting land glaciers.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice describes a process that contributes to rising sea levels but does not serve as an assumption of the passage. It is a causal statement rather than an assumption, as it reflects a factual occurrence rather than an underlying belief that supports the main argument.

D (Rising sea levels are affecting coastlines and ecosystems in many places.) YOUR ANSWER

While this statement identifies a consequence of rising sea levels, it does not represent an assumption. It asserts an outcome rather than a belief that underpins the argument about why sea levels are rising, which is essential for the overall rationale presented in the passage.

Conclusion

Inferences made in a passage often rely on assumptions that are not explicitly stated. Among the options provided, the assertion that "sea levels around the world are rising because water expands when it warms" serves as a critical assumption for understanding the broader implications of rising sea levels. Other choices describe effects or outcomes rather than foundational beliefs, emphasizing the importance of recognizing underlying assumptions in logical reasoning.

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