GMAT - Analytical Writing Sample Questions
Question #7
7a. Identify the assumption made in the final sentence 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 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."
7b. The assumption made in the final part of the argument is that the temperature increase due to global warming will occur so quickly and be so significant that the company should begin marketing to colder climates immediately. However, this is just not the case. This assumption is actually based on another faulty assumption earlier in the argument that states "with more and more scientists voicing their concerns, we can be certain that this temperature increase will be significant." The problem is that the temperature increase caused by global warming may not be as significant and may not occur as quickly as the board member in this example is suggesting because the board member is basing his or her assessment solely on how concerned the scientists appear to be. As a result, since global warming is not projected to be an immediate occurrence, but rather a series of changes that will occur over a long period of time, this particular assumption is not only flawed, but incorrect as well.