GMAT - Analytical Writing Sample Questions
Question #6
6a. Identify an assumption made in the first three sentences of the following argument and briefly explain any flaws in that assumption: "Fellow board members, global warming has become a major concern amongst scientists across the world as they are projecting that temperatures will continue to rise throughout the next century. This is a major problem, but it could be a great opportunity for us to increase our company's market share. With each passing year, the temperature is expected to rise, and with more and more scientists voicing their concerns, we can be certain that this temperature increase will be significant. I propose that we immediately begin marketing campaigns in areas with colder climates warning them of the effects of global warming and informing our potential customers that they should prepare for the drastic temperature increase that will be coming by purchasing our air conditioners."
6b. The assumption that is made in the first part of this particular argument is that the rise in temperature caused by global warming will be significant simply because there is such a large number of scientists that appear to be concerned about the issue. This entire assumption is flawed because it assumes that the temperature will increase significantly each year just because scientists appear to be concerned. As a result, this assumption of course is based on extremely faulty logic and is certainly not a safe assumption to make. In fact, the assumption is not just an unsafe assumption, it is an outright incorrect assumption as global warming may be a serious concern, but there is no evidence that indicates that the increase in temperature each year will be significant.