Read the passage and identify the primary assumption underlying the argument:

"To curb suburban sprawl and reduce vehicular carbon emissions, cities must abolish mandatory minimum parking requirements for new commercial developments. Requiring vast asphalt parking lots artificially subsidizes automobile dependency and inflates the construction cost of affordable housing."

Which assumption underlies the author's reasoning?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Reducing parking mandates will encourage walking and transit usage

  1. Step 1: Identify unstated premise: the author argues that eliminating parking mandates will curb sprawl and vehicular emissions because current mandates subsidize automobile dependency.
  2. Step 2: This logic assumes that removing free/cheap vehicle parking will disincentivize private car usage and stimulate alternative mobility modes (transit, cycling, walking).
Answer
Reducing parking mandates will encourage walking and transit usage.
Why not the others: 'Every suburban resident already possesses multiple electric vehicles' is an unfounded extreme claim; 'Automobile manufacturers are solely responsible for urban sprawl' ignores urban planning and land-use policies; 'Abolishing parking requirements will eliminate all traffic accidents' makes an exaggerated causal claim unrelated to the argument.

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