Statement: “It is dangerous to lean out of a running train.” Assumptions: I. Anyone who leans out of a running train runs a real risk of being hurt. II. Generally, people do not want to get hurt. Which of the above assumptions are implicit in the statement?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both Assumptions I and II are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This statement is a safety warning. Warnings function both as information (“there is a risk”) and as persuasion (“avoid this behavior”). To operate as a meaningful deterrent, two beliefs generally underlie such warnings: that the act indeed involves risk and that people prefer to avoid harm.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Warning: Leaning out of a running train is dangerous.
  • Assumption I: Leaning out exposes a person to a non-trivial risk of injury (e.g., poles, trackside objects, balance loss).
  • Assumption II: People generally wish to avoid injury, so the warning will influence behavior.


Concept / Approach:
An effective cautionary statement presumes a real hazard and an audience motivated to avoid the hazardous outcome. If either premise were absent—the act were not risky, or people did not mind injury—the warning would lose relevance or persuasive force.



Step-by-Step Solution:

1) The descriptor “dangerous” necessarily implies a risk of harm (supports I).2) Public warnings aim to reduce risky behavior; this purpose presupposes that people wish to avoid harm (supports II).3) Thus both assumptions underpin the statement’s informational and motivational roles.


Verification / Alternative check:


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I: Omits the motivational premise central to public safety messaging.• Only II: Without a real hazard, the warning would be baseless.• Either / Neither: Misstate the dual necessity in safety advisories.


Common Pitfalls:
Interpreting the sentence as a mere description. In context (stations, coaches, signage), it is an advisory intended to shape behavior.



Final Answer:
Both Assumptions I and II are implicit.

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