Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “The taste of food contributes to the intake of nourishment, which is essential for human survival.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Human beings take food primarily for enjoyment of taste. II. Human beings experience (perceive) the taste of food.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only assumption II is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The statement links a sensory attribute (taste) to nutritional intake and, ultimately, survival. It implies a mechanism: palatable taste encourages sufficient intake.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Claim: Taste contributes to nourishment intake.
  • Assumption I: People eat for the enjoyment of taste.
  • Assumption II: People are capable of perceiving taste (taste sensation occurs).


Concept / Approach:

  • To claim taste contributes to intake, it must be perceived by eaters; otherwise taste could not influence behavior.
  • However, saying taste contributes does not require that enjoyment is the primary reason for eating; survival, culture, or habit may be primary motives.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Assumption II is necessary: without sensory experience of taste, the proposed contribution to intake is impossible.Assumption I is not necessary: taste can still influence quantity or frequency of eating even when survival or nutrition is the main motivation.


Verification / Alternative check:

Drop II: The mechanism collapses. Drop I: The statement remains valid; taste may be a secondary but real contributor.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

I / Either / Neither / Both either overstate the role of pleasure or ignore the sensory precondition.


Common Pitfalls:

Equating “contributes” with “is the sole or primary reason.”


Final Answer:

Only assumption II is implicit

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