Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “India’s economic growth has come at a terrible price of increased industrial and vehicular pollution.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Pollution is a by-product of industrial society. II. India’s economic growth is based only on industrial growth. III. A country seeks economic growth but prefers side effects to remain manageable.

Introduction / Context:The statement laments that India’s growth has been accompanied by pollution from industry and vehicles. We must locate the minimal beliefs that support this framing without adding extraneous claims.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Main claim: Economic growth has entailed a heavy pollution cost.
• I suggests pollution tends to accompany industrial society (a general linkage).
• II says growth is based only on industry (excessively restrictive).
• III indicates growth is desirable but side effects should be contained (value framing behind calling the price “terrible”).

Concept / Approach:

• Calling the pollution cost “terrible” presumes growth is good yet the externalities are problematic; hence a desire for growth with manageable side effects (III).
• Attributing pollution to industrial and vehicular sources presupposes that such activities inherently risk pollution (I).
• Exclusivity (“only industrial growth”) is not required; services and agriculture may also contribute to growth. Thus II is not necessary.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Final Answer: