Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions: Statement: “I can take you quickly from Kanpur to Lucknow by my cab, but you must pay me double the normal charges.” Assumptions: I. Normally, it takes more time to reach Lucknow from Kanpur. II. People want to reach quickly but they will not pay extra money for it.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only assumption I is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This practical reasoning question examines incentives and baseline conditions. A cab driver claims a faster trip for double the normal fare. Which assumptions must be true for the offer to make persuasive sense?



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Offer: Faster travel between Kanpur and Lucknow in exchange for higher payment.
  • Assumption I: The normal journey takes longer; speed is a valued improvement.
  • Assumption II: People want speed but will not pay extra (a contradiction to the offer’s intent).


Concept / Approach:
The offer’s persuasive power depends on there being a meaningful time saving over the normal alternative. That is Assumption I. Assumption II is inconsistent with the seller’s proposition; he expects at least some passengers to pay more for speed.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Establish baseline: Normal travel time is significant enough that a quicker option is attractive → supports I.Evaluate II: If people generally will not pay extra, the offer would be pointless; the driver would not frame it this way. The statement does not presume universal refusal.Therefore, only I is implicit.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I: If the normal journey is already quick, paying double offers no advantage; the sales pitch fails. Negate II: If some people will pay more for speed, the offer makes sense. The decision to propose double fare assumes at least some demand for faster service, not a blanket refusal.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only II / Either / Both: These claim or allow a refusal to pay that undermines the seller’s rationale.
  • Neither: Misses the necessary baseline condition about normal travel time.


Common Pitfalls:
Interpreting a market offer as requiring universal acceptance; in reality, it targets customers with higher time value.



Final Answer:
Only assumption I is implicit

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