Critical Reasoning – Identify the Implicit Assumption(s) Scenario: Ravi plans to leave office at 4:00 p.m. to catch a flight to Bangalore departing at 6:00 p.m. Assumptions: I. The flight to Bangalore may be delayed. II. He may be able to reach the airport well before 6:00 p.m. III. He may get adequate time to search for a vehicle to go to the airport.

Difficulty: Easy

None is implicit
Only II is implicit
Only II and III are implicit
All are implicit
None of these

Correct Answer: Only II is implicit

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:
Planning decisions encode assumptions about timing and logistics. Ravi fixes a departure from office at 4:00 p.m. for a 6:00 p.m. flight. We are to find which assumption(s) are necessary for this plan to be sensible, without adding unnecessary or speculative details.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Flight departure: 6:00 p.m.
Office departure: 4:00 p.m.
Assumption I: Flight may be delayed.
Assumption II: He can reach the airport before 6:00 p.m.
Assumption III: He may get adequate time to search for a vehicle.

Concept / Approach:
For a plan to be rational, the core necessity is feasibility: the chosen departure time must allow reaching the airport before the flight departs. Speculative benefits (like delay) or specific means (searching for a vehicle) are not required unless stated.

Step-by-Step Solution:

II is essential: if reaching before 6:00 p.m. were not plausible, the plan would be irrational. Hence II is implicit.I is not necessary: Ravi’s plan does not rely on a delay; it assumes the scheduled time holds.III is too specific: he may pre-book a cab or have a driver; “search time” is not essential. Not implicit.

Verification / Alternative check:

Negate II: If he cannot reach before 6:00 p.m., the plan fails—confirming II is necessary.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

“All” and options including I or III add unneeded assumptions.“None” ignores the basic feasibility assumption.

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