Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: "If you are a mechanical engineer, we want you as our supervisor." — an advertisement by Company X. Which assumptions are implicit in this message?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only II and III are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This critical reasoning item tests recognition of unstated premises behind a recruitment advertisement. The company targets mechanical engineers for supervisor roles. We must identify which background beliefs must hold for the advertisement to make sense.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: Mechanical engineers are expected to be better performers by Company X.
  • II: Company X needs supervisors.
  • III: Mechanical engineers may get attracted and apply to Company X.


Concept / Approach:
An assumption is necessary if the statement loses purpose when that assumption is denied. For job ads, two common assumptions are the existence of vacancies and the expectation that the targeted audience will respond.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Assess II: If the firm did not need supervisors, there would be no reason to advertise. Therefore II is necessary.Assess III: Advertising to a specific group presumes they are likely to respond. If mechanical engineers would not apply, the ad fails. Thus III is necessary.Assess I: The ad states a selection preference, not a comparative claim about performance versus other streams. Company X might choose mechanical engineers for domain fit, availability, or training policies without asserting that they are better performers than all others. So I is not necessary.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negating II or III makes the ad pointless. Negating I still allows the ad to be coherent, since suitability does not require superiority.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • I and II / I and III / All: These include I, which is not required.
  • None of these: ignores the clear needs and response assumptions.


Common Pitfalls:
Do not read extra comparative claims into a simple eligibility statement.


Final Answer:
Only II and III are implicit

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