Multiple choice

The world's energy resources are being severely strained. Experts prognosticate that if the demand continues at the present rates, the world's oil reserves will be exhausted by 2035.

Which of the following is an irrefutable assumption of the argument?

  1. Big businesses are not entering the oil exploration market.

  2. Alternative sources of energy are not gaining in popularity.

  3. The trend for increase in demand for oil will continue unabated.

  4. Oil conservation and preservation of ecosystem will not make much headway.

  5. No major oil-rich, though deeper, geological structures seem feasible any longer.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

 We can make a prognostication only about the existing resources. If the demand continues at the present rate, the 'known' reserves will last till 2035. But what if new rich reserves are discovered? The argument will fail if the assumption at (E) is withdrawn.

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