Struthers College has built its reputation for academic excellence lar...
The argument states that Struthers College has built its reputation for academic excellence largely on significant contributions from wealthy alumni who are avid fans of the school's football team. The team has historically been successful, winning more national championships than any other team in its division. However, this year, the team did not win the division title. Therefore, the argument concludes that the college can expect a decline in alumni contributions next year.
To find the assumption in this argument, we need to identify the missing link between the premise and the conclusion. Let's analyze each answer choice:
(A) The college's reputation for academic excellence depends on the performance of its football team.
This answer choice goes beyond the scope of the argument. The argument does not mention the direct impact of the football team's performance on the college's academic reputation. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.
(B) Contributions from alumni are needed for the college to produce a winning football team.
This answer choice also goes beyond the scope of the argument. The argument does not discuss the relationship between alumni contributions and the football team's performance. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.
(C) Some Struthers alumni contribute to the college because they enjoy seeing its football team win.
This answer choice is the correct assumption. The argument assumes that alumni contributions are tied to the success of the football team. If some alumni contribute to the college because they enjoy seeing the team win, it is reasonable to assume that a decline in the team's performance would lead to a decline in alumni contributions.
(D) The college's football team will continue its losing streak next year.
This answer choice goes beyond the information provided in the argument. The argument does not make any claims about the future performance of the football team. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.
(E) As a group, the college's alumni will have at least as much discretionary money to give away next year as this year.
This answer choice is not directly relevant to the argument. The argument does not discuss the financial situation of the alumni or their discretionary funds. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.
In conclusion, the correct assumption in this argument is (C) Some Struthers alumni contribute to the college because they enjoy seeing its football team win. This assumption links the decline in the team's performance to the expected decline in alumni contributions, which is the conclusion of the argument.