Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “Among all the articles, personal computers show the highest price decline from June 2005 to December 2005.” Assumptions under test: I. Comparative prices of all articles in June and December 2005 were available. II. Personal computer prices were higher in the first half than in the last half of 2005.
Verbal Reasoning
Statement and Assumption
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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AOnly assumption I is implicit
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BOnly assumption II is implicit
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CEither I or II is implicit
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DNeither I nor II is implicit
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EBoth I and II are implicit
Answer
Correct Answer: Both I and II are implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The statement ranks the decline in prices of personal computers as the largest when comparing June 2005 with December 2005, across “all the articles.” To make such a comparative and time-bound claim, certain premises must be in place. We must identify the assumptions without which this claim cannot be justified.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Reference months: June 2005 and December 2005.
- Scope: all articles, with personal computers showing the highest decline.
- Assumption I: Data for all articles at both times exists.
- Assumption II: PC prices in June exceeded PC prices in December (there was an actual decline).
Concept / Approach:
- Comparative superlative (“highest decline”) requires comparable figures across the entire set and the two time points.
- To assert a decline for PCs, June price must be greater than December price for PCs.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Assess I: Without price data for all articles in both months, one cannot conclude which article had the greatest decline. Hence I is necessary.Assess II: A “decline” specifically from June to December implies the December price for PCs is lower than the June price. Hence II is also necessary.Verification / Alternative check:
Remove I: The ranking across all articles becomes baseless.Remove II: If PC prices did not drop, the claim collapses. Therefore both are required.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only I or only II — each alone is insufficient to sustain a comparative superlative over time.Either I or II — incorrect since both are logically needed.Neither — contradicted by the reasoning above.Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring the difference between a simple claim of decline and a superlative (“highest”) claim that requires a complete comparison set.Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit