Question:
There are few things worse for a new parent than listening to a baby scream in hunger while a bottle of formula slowly warms up in a bowl of hot water. So why not just pop the bottle in the microwave and zap it in 20 seconds? Because microwaves heat fluids unevenly, and a hot pocket in the formula could seriously injure the baby.
Which of the following is presupposed in the argument against heating formula in the microwave?
There are few things worse for a new parent than listening to a baby scream in hunger while a bottle of formula slowly warms up in a bowl of hot water. So why not just pop the bottle in the microwave and zap it in 20 seconds? Because microwaves heat fluids unevenly, and a hot pocket in the formula could seriously injure the baby.
Which of the following is presupposed in the argument against heating formula in the microwave?
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When analyzing an argument, focus on the assumptions that underlie the reasoning and the concerns about the procedure or suggestion.
Updated On: Oct 3, 2025
- Babies generally refuse to eat formula that has been heated in a microwave.
- Microwave radiation might break down some of the proteins in formula that are vital to a baby’s health.
- Different microwaves use different amounts of power, and consequently some models could heat a bottle to scalding temperature faster than others.
- Parents cannot be expected to consistently even out the temperature of a microwaved bottle by shaking it vigorously before giving it to the baby.
- Once formula has been heated, any leftover formula should be discarded, because otherwise the formula could spoil between feedings and make the baby sick.
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the argument.
The argument warns against microwaving baby formula because of uneven heating and the possibility of creating hot pockets. To support this, the argument assumes that parents cannot ensure the even distribution of heat.
Step 2: Review the answer choices.
- (A) The passage does not discuss babies refusing microwaved formula, so this is not assumed.
- (B) The passage does not mention any concerns about nutritional value, so this is not the presupposition.
- (C) The passage mentions uneven heating, but it is not about different microwaves’ power levels, so this is not the presupposition.
- (D) This option directly reflects the assumption that parents cannot reliably even out the heating of the formula.
- (E) The passage does not discuss leftover formula, so this is not a presupposition.
Conclusion:
Option (D) is the best answer as it supports the argument that uneven heating could be dangerous if parents cannot ensure even heat distribution.
The argument warns against microwaving baby formula because of uneven heating and the possibility of creating hot pockets. To support this, the argument assumes that parents cannot ensure the even distribution of heat.
Step 2: Review the answer choices.
- (A) The passage does not discuss babies refusing microwaved formula, so this is not assumed.
- (B) The passage does not mention any concerns about nutritional value, so this is not the presupposition.
- (C) The passage mentions uneven heating, but it is not about different microwaves’ power levels, so this is not the presupposition.
- (D) This option directly reflects the assumption that parents cannot reliably even out the heating of the formula.
- (E) The passage does not discuss leftover formula, so this is not a presupposition.
Conclusion:
Option (D) is the best answer as it supports the argument that uneven heating could be dangerous if parents cannot ensure even heat distribution.
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