Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: "The economic condition continues to be critical even after a good harvest season." Which assumptions are implicit?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only III is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The sentence contrasts a good harvest with a continuing critical economic condition. We must identify the presupposition that gives this contrast its force.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: The economy was not critical before the harvest.
  • II: The economy could not have improved without a good harvest.
  • III: The economy was expected to improve after a good harvest season.


Concept / Approach:
When a writer highlights persistence of a problem despite a favorable factor, the implicit belief is that the favorable factor typically helps. The statement does not state anything about the economy before the harvest nor claim that a good harvest is the only route to improvement.


Step-by-Step Solution:
III is necessary. The phrase even after a good harvest signals an expectation that such a harvest normally eases economic stress. The persistence of crisis is therefore noteworthy.I is not necessary. The sentence is silent on the earlier state; it only speaks about the current continuation of a critical condition.II is not necessary and is too strong. The statement does not assert that improvement is impossible without a good harvest; it simply notes that a good harvest did not suffice this time.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negating III removes the contrast and the informational value of the sentence. Negating I or II does not affect the logic.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • I with II, or II alone, or II with III: each includes a nonessential or extreme claim.
  • I with III: adds an irrelevant temporal claim.


Common Pitfalls:
Do not overgeneralize to only necessary conditions when the language indicates a typical expectation, not exclusivity.


Final Answer:
Only III is implicit

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