Identifying Assumptions | Decision Making for UCAT PDF Download

Q.1. Should schools implement mandatory drug testing for all students?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, mandatory drug testing would deter students from using drugs.
(b) Yes, it would create a safer and healthier learning environment.
(c) No, drug testing violates students' privacy rights.
(d) No, students should be trusted to make their own choices without interference.

Correct Answer is option (b)
A is incorrect because it does not address the impact on the learning environment.
B is correct because it presents a strong argument about creating a safer and healthier learning environment.
C is incorrect because it focuses on privacy rights rather than the impact on the school environment.
D is incorrect because it does not address the potential benefits of mandatory drug testing.

Q.2. Should the government increase taxes on sugary drinks to reduce obesity rates?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, higher taxes would discourage people from consuming sugary drinks.
(b) Yes, the revenue generated from taxes could be used to fund public health programs.
(c) No, individuals should have the freedom to make their own dietary choices.
(d) No, the responsibility for reducing obesity lies with individuals, not the government.

Correct Answer is option (b)
A is incorrect because it only focuses on discouraging consumption without addressing broader benefits.
B is correct because it highlights the potential use of tax revenue for public health programs.
C is incorrect because it focuses on individual freedom rather than public health outcomes.
D is incorrect because it shifts the responsibility solely to individuals without considering societal impacts.

Q.3. Should animal testing be banned for cosmetic products?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, alternative testing methods are available and can be used instead.
(b) Yes, animals have rights and should not be subjected to unnecessary suffering.
(c) No, animal testing is necessary to ensure product safety for human use.
(d) No, the benefits of cosmetic products outweigh the concerns about animal welfare.

Correct Answer is option (b)
(a) is incorrect because it focuses on alternative methods without addressing the ethical aspect.
(b) is correct because it emphasizes animal rights and the avoidance of unnecessary suffering.
(c) is incorrect because it prioritizes human safety without considering animal welfare.
(d) is incorrect because it prioritizes cosmetic benefits over animal welfare concerns.

Q.4. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, access to healthcare is a basic human right and should be available to everyone.
(b) Yes, providing free healthcare will lead to better overall public health and reduced healthcare costs in the long run.
(c) No, free healthcare would burden the government and lead to increased taxes for citizens.
(d) No, individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare expenses.

Correct Answer is option (b)
(a) is correct because it addresses the concept of healthcare as a basic human right.
(b) is the strongest argument as it highlights the long-term benefits of free healthcare.
(c) is incorrect because it focuses on the financial burden without considering the potential positive outcomes.
(d) is incorrect because it does not provide a strong argument against free healthcare based on assumptions.

Q.5. Should schools eliminate homework assignments?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, eliminating homework will reduce stress levels among students and allow them to focus on other activities.
(b) Yes, students can learn effectively during school hours, and homework is unnecessary.
(c) No, homework is essential for reinforcing classroom learning and developing discipline.
(d) No, eliminating homework will result in a decline in academic performance and a lack of accountability.

Correct Answer is option (c)
A is incorrect because it only focuses on reducing stress levels without considering the educational benefits of homework.
B is incorrect because it oversimplifies the learning process and disregards the need for practice outside of school.
C is the strongest argument as it emphasizes the importance of homework in reinforcing learning and discipline.
D is incorrect because it assumes that eliminating homework will automatically lead to negative consequences without providing supporting evidence.

Q.6. Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be banned?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, GMOs pose risks to human health and the environment.
(b) Yes, banning GMOs will protect traditional farming methods and preserve biodiversity.
(c) No, GMOs have the potential to solve food scarcity issues and improve crop yields.
(d) No, banning GMOs would hinder scientific progress and innovation in agriculture.

Correct Answer is option (c)
A is incorrect because it presents a negative assumption without providing sufficient evidence of the claimed risks.
B is incorrect because it focuses on preserving traditional methods and biodiversity without considering potential benefits.
C is the strongest argument as it highlights the potential positive impact of GMOs on food scarcity and crop yields.
D is incorrect because it assumes that banning GMOs would hinder all scientific progress and innovation without acknowledging potential drawbacks.

Q.7. Should the government impose stricter gun control laws?
Select the strongest argument from the statements below.
(a) Yes, stricter gun control laws will reduce gun-related crimes and save lives.
(b) Yes, limiting access to firearms will prevent mass shootings and reduce the overall crime rate.
(c) No, strict gun control laws infringe upon citizens' rights to self-defense and Second Amendment rights.
(d) No, criminals will always find ways to obtain firearms, regardless of gun control laws.

Correct Answer is option (c)
A is the strongest argument as it directly addresses the objective of reducing gun-related crimes and saving lives.
B is incorrect because it focuses on preventing mass shootings without considering other aspects of gun-related crimes.
C is incorrect because it emphasizes citizens' rights without acknowledging potential benefits of stricter gun control.
D is incorrect because it assumes that strict gun control laws would be completely ineffective without providing supporting evidence.

Q.8. Should schools ban junk food in their canteens?
Select the assumption made in the argument below.
(a) Junk food is unhealthy and can lead to obesity and other health problems.
(b) Schools are responsible for the health and well-being of their students.
(c) Students will not eat healthy food unless it is the only option available.
(d) Parents should take responsibility for their children's diets.

Correct Answer is option (b)
A is a premise, not an assumption.
B is the assumption made in the argument.
C is incorrect because it is not necessarily true that students will not choose healthy options if they are available.
D is incorrect because it does not relate directly to the argument being made about schools and their responsibility for their students' health.

Q.9. Should the government increase taxes on cigarettes to discourage smoking?
Select the assumption made in the argument below.
(a) Smoking is a serious health risk and costs the government a lot of money in healthcare expenses.
(b) People will stop smoking if the price of cigarettes becomes too high.
(c) The government has the power to control people's behavior through taxation.
(d) Cigarette companies will comply with any tax increases imposed by the government.

Correct Answer is option (a)
A is the assumption made in the argument.
B is incorrect because it is not necessarily true that people will stop smoking if the price of cigarettes becomes too high.
C is incorrect because it is too broad and not specific to the argument being made.
D is incorrect because it assumes that cigarette companies will not resist any tax increases imposed by the government.

Q.10. Should parents be held responsible for the crimes committed by their children?
Select the assumption made in the argument below.
(a) Parents have a significant influence on their children's behavior.
(b) Parents are always aware of their children's activities and behaviors.
(c) Children are not capable of making their own decisions or taking responsibility for their actions.
(d) The criminal justice system is not effective in dealing with juvenile offenders.

Correct Answer is option (a)
A is the assumption made in the argument.
B is incorrect because it is not necessarily true that parents are always aware of their children's activities and behaviors.
C is incorrect because it is too broad and not specific to the argument being made.
D is incorrect because it is not directly related to the argument being made about parents' responsibility for their children's crimes.