Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “Let us increase the taxes to cover the deficit.” Which of the following assumptions are implicit in the above proposal?

Introduction / Context:
This verbal reasoning item asks you to uncover the unstated premises (assumptions) behind a policy suggestion: “increase the taxes to cover the deficit.” In critical reasoning, an assumption is something the author must believe to be true for the recommendation to make sense, even if it is not explicitly stated.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I: The present taxes are very low.
• II: Deficit in a budget is not desirable.
• III: If the taxes are not increased, the deficit cannot be met.

Concept / Approach:
Use the negation test. If negating a candidate assumption destroys the force of the original recommendation, then that candidate is necessary (implicit). If the recommendation still makes sense after negation, the candidate is not necessary.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Assumption II: The proposal exists to eliminate a deficit; this only matters if a deficit is considered undesirable. If we negate II (“deficits are fine”), the call to raise taxes loses its purpose. Thus II is necessary.2) Assumption I: The plan does not rely on present taxes being “very low.” Taxes could be average or even high; the proposer might still suggest a further increase because of the deficit magnitude. Negating I leaves the proposal coherent. So I is not necessary.3) Assumption III: The suggestion that taxes should be increased does not logically require that no other remedy could work. Alternatives like spending cuts or borrowing may exist; the proposer merely favors the tax option. Negating III (“the deficit can be met without tax increase”) does not invalidate the recommendation—only shows there are other options. So III is not necessary.

Verification / Alternative check:
Policy recommendations typically assume the goal is worth pursuing (here, reducing the deficit). They do not have to assume exclusivity of the method nor make claims about current tax levels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I and II / Only II and III / Only I and III / All: Each includes at least one unnecessary assumption (I or III).

Common Pitfalls:
Do not confuse “being recommended” with “being the only possible solution.”

Final Answer:
Only assumption II is implicit; therefore the best choice among the options is “None of these.”