Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “With a sense of sincerity, quality teachers can improve society.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Quality teachers are (already) sincere. II. Sincerity in teaching is effective and worthwhile (it pays).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only assumption II is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The statement is prescriptive: it says that when quality teachers act with sincerity, society can improve. We must identify the minimal belief that makes this recommendation sensible, without adding unnecessary claims.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Claim: Quality teachers, if sincere, can improve society.
  • Assumption I: All quality teachers are already sincere.
  • Assumption II: Sincerity in teaching is an effective factor that leads to better societal outcomes (i.e., it pays).


Concept / Approach:

  • A necessary assumption supports the causal or normative link. Here, the link is between sincerity in teaching and societal improvement.
  • The statement does not assert that quality teachers are already sincere; it recommends sincerity as a condition.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Because the claim hinges on sincerity producing positive outcomes, it requires accepting that sincerity makes a real difference (Assumption II).Assumption I is not necessary; the sentence structure “with a sense of sincerity” implies that sincerity may need to be adopted or strengthened. It does not presuppose that it is already present.


Verification / Alternative check:

Drop II: The recommendation loses force, as sincerity would not help. Drop I: The recommendation still makes sense because it is conditional—teachers can choose to be sincere.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

I or Both add an unnecessary universal claim about teachers already being sincere; Either or Neither ignore the efficacy of sincerity embedded in the advice.


Common Pitfalls:

Treating a recommended attribute as a currently possessed attribute.


Final Answer:

Only assumption II is implicit

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