Statement — “The impact of economic sanctions on an economy that is already very weak could be devastating.” Assumptions — I. Economic sanctions impact only a weak economy. II. The impact of sanctions varies from one economy to another.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: if only Assumption II is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The statement warns that sanctions may be “devastating” for an economy that is “already very weak.” This comparative framing typically presupposes that the effect of sanctions depends on underlying economic strength and thus differs across economies.



Given Data / Assumptions:


  • Sanctions affect economies.
  • The weakness of an economy intensifies impact.
  • Assumption I: “only” weak economies are impacted.
  • Assumption II: impact varies with the economy’s condition.


Concept / Approach:
An “already very weak” qualifier signals variability in effect. The word “only” in Assumption I overreaches, asserting exclusivity not required by the statement. The statement does not deny impacts on stronger economies; it merely emphasizes severity for weak ones.



Step-by-Step Solution:


1) Identify the comparison cue: “already very weak.”2) Infer that sanctions’ effects depend on baseline strength (variation across economies).3) Therefore II is presupposed.4) I adds an unwarranted “only,” not needed for the statement’s meaning.


Verification / Alternative check:
Replace “weak” with “strong”: impact may be less severe but not necessarily absent. Hence variability (II) stands; exclusivity (I) does not.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:


Only I: incorrect due to the unjustified “only.”Either: cannot be, since I contradicts the graded nature implied.Neither: wrong because variability is central.Both: wrong because I is too strong.


Common Pitfalls:
Watch for extreme qualifiers like “only,” “always,” or “never” that often invalidate an assumption.



Final Answer:
Only Assumption II is implicit.

More Questions from Statement and Assumption

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion