Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: The PTA informs the Principal: “We will not send our children to school unless the school authority reduces the fees with immediate effect.” Assumptions under test: I. A majority of parents may agree and.

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Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:The PTA issues a conditional threat: nonattendance unless fees are reduced immediately. For such a pressure tactic to be meaningful, certain premises must hold: the threat must be enforceable (collective parent action) and there must be a reasonable belief that the school could yield to the pressure. We test both assumptions accordingly. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement: Conditional boycott tied to an immediate fee reduction demand. Assumption I: A significant number of parents will comply with the PTA call, creating real leverage. Assumption II: The school authority may respond by reducing fees if faced with the boycott. Concept / Approach: Threat effectiveness relies on (a) capacity to impose a cost (collective action) and (b) a plausible concession from the target. If either element is missing, the statement becomes hollow or irrational. Step-by-Step Solution: Assumption I: If only a tiny fraction would act, the threat lacks substance. The PTA must assume wide support; hence I is implicit.Assumption II: If the school is certain never to concede, the ultimatum would be futile. The PTA's move presumes a chance of success; hence II is implicit. Verification / Alternative check: Remove I: No leverage → empty threat.Remove II: No plausible outcome → self-defeating strategy. Therefore both are required premises of the tactic. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only I or only II — each alone leaves the threat either toothless or purposeless.Either / Neither — inconsistent with rational collective bargaining logic embedded in the statement. Common Pitfalls: Assuming that a threat needs only participation or only compliance; in practice, both leverage and a plausible concession are presumed. Final Answer: Both I and II are implicit

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