Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: if only assumption II is implicit.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The claim contrasts advanced amenities (education, jobs, lifestyle) with poor performance on “basic necessities.” We must determine which hidden premise is essential for the claim to make sense.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
To say metros “score miserably” on basics presupposes that a significant portion of their populations lack those basics. It does not require naming exactly which basics (water, electricity, sanitation, housing, etc.).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Assumption I: Stipulating water/electricity is overly specific. The statement could refer to affordable housing, sanitation, public transport capacity, or healthcare access. Hence I is not necessary.Assumption II: The assertion of metro failure hinges on widespread deprivation of basics; otherwise the statement would be exaggerated or false. Thus II is necessary.
Verification / Alternative check:
If only a negligible number lacked basics, “score miserably” would be unwarranted; thus II must hold.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Both” and “either” wrongly require a specific interpretation (I). “Neither” contradicts the claim’s force; “only I” is too narrow.
Common Pitfalls:
Conflating examples (water/electricity) with the general category of “basic necessities.”
Final Answer:
if only assumption II is implicit.
Discussion & Comments