Statement & Assumption — “If degrees are delinked from jobs, boys will think thrice before joining college.” Which assumptions are implicit? I. Students (in general) pursue college education primarily to improve job prospects. II. A degree has no usefulness for getting a job.
Correct Answer: if only Assumption I is implicit
Introduction / Context:The statement predicts reduced inclination to join college if degrees are delinked from jobs. We must uncover which assumption makes this prediction reasonable.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- College entry decisions are sensitive to linkage between degrees and employment.
- “Think thrice” implies deterrence when job linkage is removed.
Concept / Approach:Assumption I is necessary: if job prospects were not a primary driver, delinking would not markedly alter the decision calculus. Assumption II (“degree is of no use for getting a job”) is too strong and contradicts the conditional premise; the statement considers a hypothetical delinking, not an absolute uselessness of degrees.
Step-by-Step Solution:Affirm I: Explains why delinking reduces motivation—college is pursued for jobs.Reject II: The argument works without asserting absolute uselessness; it only posits removal of formal link, not zero value.
Verification / Alternative check:Education decisions often weigh ROI in employment terms—consistent with I.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:“II only” misreads the conditional; “either” includes an unnecessary overstatement.
Common Pitfalls:Treating a policy counterfactual (“delinked”) as a universal claim of “no value.”
Final Answer:if only Assumption I is implicit