Statement — “I do not think like an old man… but how long can I go on deceiving myself?” — Mr X. Question — Which conclusion necessarily follows from Mr X’s remark?

Introduction / Context:Mr X claims he does not think like an “old man,” but immediately questions how long he can “deceive” himself. The tension between self-image and reality hints at an implicit admission about his age.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Self-description: “I do not think like an old man.”
• Meta-reflection: “How long can I go on deceiving myself?”
• No discussion about “power of words” or general rhetoric.

Concept / Approach:The phrase “deceiving myself” undermines the preceding denial, implying that, in fact, he is an old man, even if he strives to think otherwise. This supports the conclusion that Mr X is old; it does not support a general statement about the “harsh reality of words.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:If Mr X were not old, there would be no “deceit” in claiming he does not think like an old man. Therefore, the remark implies he is, in fact, old.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:Over-interpreting stylistic statements; stay with what the speaker concedes.

Final Answer:if only conclusion II follows