Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: Sachin wrote to his brother in Bangalore to personally collect the Post-graduation Mathematics application form from the University. Assumptions under test: I. The University may issue forms to someone.

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:The statement describes Sachin instructing his brother (located in Bangalore) to collect an application form personally. We must identify the hidden premises without which this action would be futile. In assumption questions, an assumption is implicit if the action in the statement depends logically on it being true. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement: Request to brother to collect the form personally. Assumption I: The University may issue forms to someone other than the applicant. Assumption II: The brother will receive the letter before the deadline to collect forms. Concept / Approach: If an action is advised, it presupposes feasibility and timeliness. Therefore, two conditions are necessary: authorization (form can be issued to a proxy) and time feasibility (instruction reaches before the cut-off). Step-by-Step Solution: Assumption I: If the University refuses to issue forms to anyone except the candidate, asking the brother to collect is pointless. Hence I is required.Assumption II: If the letter will reach after the last date, the instruction is useless. Therefore II is required for the instruction to be meaningful. Verification / Alternative check: Remove I: Action becomes infeasible.Remove II: Action becomes untimely. In both cases, the original statement loses purpose, confirming both assumptions are implicit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only I or only II — each alone is insufficient because feasibility and timeliness are both essential.Either I or II — incorrect; both are needed.Neither — clearly false since at least one necessary premise exists. Common Pitfalls: Confusing what is merely helpful with what is logically required for the action to make sense. Final Answer: Both I and II are implicit

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