OG verbal Question:

Gortland has long been narrowly self-sufficient in both grain and meat. However, as per capita income in Gortland has risen toward the world average, per capita consumption of meat has also risen toward the world average, and it takes several pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat. Therefore, since per capita income continues to rise, whereas domestic grain production will not increase, Gortland will soon have to import either grain or meat or both. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?

(A) The total acreage devoted to grain production in Gortland will not decrease substantially.

(B) The population of Gortland has remained relatively constant during the country’s years of growing prosperity.

(C) The per capita consumption of meat in Gortland is roughly the same across all income levels.

(D) In Gortland, neither meat nor grain is subject to government price controls.

(E) People in Gortland who increase their consumption of meat will not radically decrease their consumption of grain.

 

Answer is E): But even if grain consumption reduces here the case specified is an OR case and the other condition that meat has to be imported is satisfied.

Secondly as meat consumption increases grain consumption would also rise as takes several pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat.

How is E correct then ?

Beginner Asked on November 14, 2016 in Critical Reasoning.
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1 Answer(s)

The argument states this –

increase in meat consumption –> increase in demand for grains –> import either grain or meat or both

Negate E –

“People in Gortland who increase their consumption of meat will radically decrease their consumption of grain.”

Then, the conclusion – “Gortland will soon have to import either grain or meat or both” will be weakened.

this link would no longer hold true – increase in meat consumption –> increase in demand for grains

Expert Answered on November 15, 2016.
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