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.

Question

Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

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

More Questions from Statement and Assumption

Discussion & Comments