Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Only assumption I is implicit
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:The statement reports public “surprise” at a princess breaking royal marital tradition. We must identify which assumptions are necessary for this reaction to be coherent. In such items, focus on what is minimally required for the reported reaction to make sense.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Surprise at a rule-breaking action typically presupposes an expectation that the rule or custom would be followed. Whether people specifically value blood purity or social status is an additional, stronger assumption that is not strictly required to explain the surprise.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the basis of “surprise”: deviation from an expected norm.Assumption I directly supplies that norm: the public expects tradition to be observed, hence the surprise.Assumption II adds a particular value judgment (blood purity/status). The surprise could exist purely due to tradition-breaking, even if observers are indifferent to lineage purity.Therefore, only Assumption I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I: If people did not expect adherence to customs, the act would not be surprising; the reported reaction becomes inexplicable. Negate II: Even if people no longer care about blood purity, the act can still surprise because it breaks an established tradition.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:Confusing general expectation of rule-following with particular ideological reasons (status, bloodline) for holding that expectation.
Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit
Discussion & Comments