Critical Reasoning — Implicit Assumptions Statement: I have written several letters to the branch manager regarding my account but have not received any reply so far. Assumptions: I. The branch manager is expected to read letters received from customers. II. The branch manager is expected to reply to letters received from customers.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Both I and II are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The speaker complains about not receiving a reply from a bank’s branch manager. Such a complaint presupposes norms of service: reading and replying to customer correspondence.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Multiple letters were sent; no reply yet.
  • Assumption I: managers should read customers’ letters.
  • Assumption II: managers should respond to customers’ letters.


Concept / Approach:
For a grievance to be meaningful, there must be an expectation violated. Banking service ethics presume both perusal and response to account-related letters from customers.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) If the manager were not expected to read customer letters, writing would be pointless; so I is necessary.2) The essence of the complaint is “no reply,” which presumes a duty to reply; hence II is necessary.3) With both norms in place, the complaint has force; remove either and it collapses.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I or II and the writer’s grievance loses its basis: without an expectation to read or reply, the absence of response is not a fault. Therefore both are implicit.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I or only II: ignores the other service norm required to make the complaint rational.
  • Either/Neither: do not reflect the dual expectations inherent in customer-service correspondence.


Common Pitfalls:
Separating procedural reading from the communicative duty to reply. In customer service, both are assumed together for accountability.


Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit

More Questions from Statement and Assumption

Discussion & Comments

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