Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: “There is a big boom in the drug business; many jhuggi–jhopari dwellers in Delhi can be seen pedalling small pouches of smack and brown sugar.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Drug addiction is increasing in the country, particularly in the capital. II. All major drug dons live in jhuggi–jhopari areas. III. Most slum dwellers will do anything for money.

Verbal Reasoning Statement and Assumption Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
  • A
    Only I is implicit
  • B
    Only II is implicit
  • C
    Only III is implicit
  • D
    Only I and III are implicit
  • E
    Either I or III is implicit

Answer

Correct Answer: Only I is implicit

Explanation

Introduction / Context:The statement links a “boom” in drug business with visible street-level peddling by slum residents in Delhi. We must determine which assumptions are minimally required and which are overgeneralizations unrelated to the claim.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Observation: Increased visible peddling; claim of business “boom.”
  • I: Drug addiction (demand) is rising, especially in Delhi.
  • II: All top drug lords reside in slums.
  • III: Most slum dwellers would do anything for money.

Concept / Approach:“Boom” denotes a surge in trade volume, which typically rests on increased demand or easier supply. Citing numerous petty peddlers in Delhi suggests strong local demand and market expansion, making assumption I reasonable. Assumptions II and III are sweeping, stigmatizing generalizations that the statement neither requires nor implies.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Link “boom” to demand: higher sales imply higher consumption/addiction → supports I.Evaluate II: The location of “big dons” is irrelevant to the observation; the statement does not claim anything about their residence. II is not necessary.Evaluate III: Inferring a moral generalization about “most” slum dwellers extends far beyond the evidence. III is not required.

Verification / Alternative check:Even if dons live elsewhere and most slum dwellers are law-abiding, a boom can still be evidenced by more street peddlers serving rising demand—preserving I and rejecting II and III.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only II / Only III / I and III / Either I or III: These introduce unnecessary or unethical generalizations.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing market-scale growth with moral judgments about entire communities; assuming leadership residence matters for retail-level observations.

Final Answer:Only I is implicit

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