Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Advertisement: “Buy pure and natural honey of Company X.” Which assumptions are implicit in this claim?
Verbal Reasoning
Statement and Assumption
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AOnly I is implicit
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BOnly I and II are implicit
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COnly I and III are implicit
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DAll are implicit
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: Only I is implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Advertisements frequently rely on unstated beliefs. Here the ad emphasizes “pure and natural” honey. We test which assumptions must hold for the message to be meaningful.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- I: Artificial (or impure) honey can indeed be prepared, so purity is a differentiator.
- II: People do not mind paying more for purity.
- III: No other company supplies pure honey.
Concept / Approach:
- The statement highlights a quality attribute (“pure and natural”). The minimum assumption is that non-pure alternatives exist; otherwise the claim has no contrastive force.
- Price tolerance (II) is not mentioned; the ad does not reference cost.
- Exclusivity (III) is far stronger than the wording; “buy pure honey of X” does not assert monopoly on purity.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Keep I: If impure/artificial honey were impossible, stressing purity would be pointless.Discard II: The ad can persuade even price-sensitive buyers; price is unstated.Discard III: The copy does not claim “only X is pure.”Verification / Alternative check:
I alone makes the descriptor meaningful. II and III are neither stated nor necessary.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Combinations including II or III assume extra claims not required by the advertisement.Common Pitfalls:
Reading exclusivity or price insensitivity into generic quality-focused ads.Final Answer:
Only I is implicit