Critical Reasoning: Assumption Questions
When the salesman in the guitar department of a music store plays an electric guitar in the showroom, he sells more guitars than when he plays a classical guitar. The music store gives the salesman a 5% commission for every guitar that he sells. It can be concluded that the salesman enjoys playing on an electric guitar more than he does on a classical guitar.
The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?
Incorrect.
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The number of guitars sold is irrelevant, as it does not explain why the author concluded the salesman prefers playing the electric guitar.
Incorrect.
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The commissions offered by other stores are irrelevant, as they do not explain why the author concluded the salesman prefers playing the electric guitar.
Incorrect.
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The skills needed to play guitar are irrelevant, as they do not explain why the author concluded the salesman prefers playing the electric guitar.
Incorrect.
This answer choice presents a new premise about the versatility of electric and classical guitars. It is irrelevant whether this new data
supports the conclusion; what you are looking for is the assumption, which should explain how the author drew the conclusion based on the existing premises.
Great!
To reach the given conclusion, the author must assume that the salesman's earnings are the only thing that makes him enjoy playing guitars.
