Question

The argument relies on assuming which one of the following?

• A. Processing milk chocolate costs more than does processing dark chocolate.
• B. Price discrepancy between the products can usually be accounted for by such factors as supply-demand but not by the differences in production costs.
• C. There is little competition among companies that process dark chocolates.
• D. Retail chocolate-sellers do not believe that chocolate-lovers are content to pay more for dark chocolate than for milk chocolate.
• E. The ingredients used for producing dark chocolate do not cost much more before processing than the ingredients used for producing milk chocolate.

Hint:

Look for options that address the core assumptions the argument relies on, such as cost and production.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understand the argument's premise.
The argument claims that the price difference between dark and milk chocolate cannot be due to the cost of ingredients and production, since the process for making dark chocolate is relatively simple and inexpensive.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) Processing milk chocolate costs more than does processing dark chocolate: This is not the assumption that supports the argument. The argument focuses on ingredient costs, not production costs.
- (B) Price discrepancy between the products can usually be accounted for by such factors as supply-demand but not by the differences in production costs: This does not address the issue of ingredient costs, which is the focus of the argument.
- (C) There is little competition among companies that process dark chocolates: The argument does not discuss competition among companies. It focuses on the cost of ingredients and production.
- (D) Retail chocolate-sellers do not believe that chocolate-lovers are content to pay more for dark chocolate than for milk chocolate: This is unrelated to the cost issue being addressed. The argument does not focus on what chocolate-lovers are willing to pay.
- (E) The ingredients used for producing dark chocolate do not cost much more before processing than the ingredients used for producing milk chocolate: Correct. The argument assumes that the cost of ingredients does not contribute significantly to the price difference, as the process is simple and inexpensive.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as it supports the argument's conclusion that the price difference is not due to ingredient costs.