Critical Reasoning — Implicit Assumptions Principal’s note to parents: “Children who receive encouragement usually perform better.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Some parents do not encourage their children. II. Parents may follow the Principal’s advice.

Introduction / Context:
The Principal issues guidance linking encouragement and performance. We must identify the hidden beliefs that make issuing such advice purposeful and reasonable.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A note promotes parental encouragement.
• Assumption I: At least some parents currently do not encourage their children.
• Assumption II: Parents might heed the Principal’s recommendation.

Concept / Approach:
Advice is typically issued when two conditions hold: there is a gap or problem to address, and there is a reasonable expectation of compliance. Without either, issuing the note loses rationale.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I: no gap exists—issuing advice becomes unnecessary. Negate II: no one will follow—issuing advice becomes ineffective. Both negations undercut the statement’s purpose, confirming both assumptions are necessary.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I or only II: drops one of the two pillars (need and expected compliance).
• Either/Neither: fail the necessity test demonstrated above.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “may follow” with certainty. Assumptions need a reasonable possibility, not a guarantee.

Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit