Question

Gortland has long been narrowly self-sufficient in both grain and meat. However, as per capita income in Gortland has risen toward the world average, per capita consumption of meat has also risen toward the world average, and it takes several pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat. Therefore, since per capita income continues to rise, whereas domestic grain production will not increase, Gortland will soon have to import either grain or meat or both. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?

• A. The total acreage devoted to grain production in Gortland will soon decrease.
• B. Importing either grain or meat will not result in a significantly higher percentage of Gortlanders' incomes being spent on food than is currently the case.
• C. The per capita consumption of meat in Gortland is increasing at roughly the same rate across all income levels.
• D. The per capita income of meat producers in Gortland is rising faster than the per capita income of grain producers.
• E. People in Gortland who increase their consumption of meat will not radically decrease their consumption of grain.

Hint:

When analyzing arguments, identify assumptions about the relationships between different variables that support the conclusion.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The argument assumes that Gortland’s increased consumption of meat will not result in a drastic reduction in the consumption of grain. This is necessary for the conclusion that Gortland will soon need to import either grain or meat, because it assumes that both will be in demand.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) The total acreage devoted to grain production is not discussed in the argument; it is not directly relevant.
- (B) This is important for the argument but is not an assumption; it suggests a potential consequence but doesn’t assume it as a basis for the argument.
- (C) The assumption is that Gortlanders are consuming more meat overall, but the argument doesn't depend on the rate at which different income levels consume it.
- (D) The income of meat producers is not central to the argument’s claim about food imports.
- (E) This is the correct answer. The argument assumes that increasing meat consumption will not significantly decrease grain consumption, which justifies the need for imports.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as it is the core assumption that underpins the argument.