Question

The city's new bike-sharing programme has been widely adopted, reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthy lifestyles. Which of the following is a necessary assumption?

• A. The bike-sharing programme has improved air quality.
• B. Many residents prefer biking to driving.
• C. There has been a quantifiable increase in the usage of bikes by city residents.
• D. The city will expand the programme to all neighbourhoods.

Hint:

A necessary assumption is something that must be true for the argument to hold. Ask: “Without this, would the conclusion fail?”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the argument — The claim is that the bike-sharing programme reduces traffic and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Step 2: Identify necessary assumption — For these benefits to occur, residents must actually use the bikes.
Step 3: Evaluate options — Option (c) is necessary. Other options are either consequences or additional claims, not assumptions.
Step 4: Conclusion — Option (c) is correct.