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.
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AOnly I is implicit
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BOnly II is implicit
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COnly III is implicit
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DOnly I and III are implicit
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EEither 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