Introduction / Context:
This is an assumptions question from verbal reasoning. We are given a speaker's suggestion about inviting Anthony to a Christmas party and two possible hidden beliefs (assumptions). The task is to identify which assumption(s) must be true for the suggestion to make sense. In assumption problems, we do not add external facts; we only consider what the speaker must be presuming for the statement to be meaningful.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Statement: “Why do you not invite Anthony for the Christmas party this year?”
- Assumption I: Anthony is not from the same city.
- Assumption II: Unless invited, Anthony will not attend the party.
Concept / Approach:
- An assumption is implicit if the statement depends on it; without it, the statement would lose force or purpose.
- Suggestions about invitations normally presuppose that invitations are required for attendance.
- City of residence is irrelevant unless it is directly tied to the reason for (not) inviting him.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Analyze the speech act: The speaker urges an invitation, which presumes the act of inviting influences attendance.Assumption II fits: if invitations are unnecessary, the suggestion is pointless. The speaker must be presuming that Anthony will not attend unless invited.Assumption I about Anthony's city is neither required nor hinted. One may invite a person regardless of city; distance may matter in logistics but is not entailed by the suggestion.
Verification / Alternative check:
Remove Assumption II: If Anthony would attend without invitation, the suggestion loses purpose. Hence II is necessary.Remove Assumption I: The suggestion still makes sense even if Anthony lives in the same city. Hence I is not necessary.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only assumption I is implicit — incorrect; city is irrelevant to the act of inviting.Either I or II — incorrect; only II is required.Neither I nor II — incorrect; II is clearly needed.Both I and II — incorrect; I is not necessary.
Common Pitfalls:
Importing extraneous facts (e.g., travel constraints). Focus only on what makes the suggestion logically purposeful.
Final Answer:
Only assumption II is implicit
Discussion & Comments