Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions: Statement: “To keep myself up-to-date, I always listen to the 9:00 p.m. news on the radio,” a candidate tells the interview board. Assumptions: I. The candidate does not read newspapers. II. Recent news is broadcast only on radio.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Neither I nor II is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This verbal reasoning problem asks you to detect which assumptions are logically required for the speaker’s statement to make sense. The candidate claims that listening to the 9:00 p.m. radio news keeps them up-to-date. We must determine whether the hidden assumptions about newspapers and radio exclusivity are necessary for that claim.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The candidate habitually listens to the 9:00 p.m. radio news to stay current.
  • Assumption I: The candidate does not read newspapers.
  • Assumption II: Only radio broadcasts recent news.


Concept / Approach:
In assumption questions, we look for what must be true (not what could be true). The candidate’s practice of listening to radio news does not require exclusive reliance on radio nor the absence of reading habits. It merely presents one effective method the candidate uses.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the conclusion: Listening to the 9:00 p.m. radio bulletin keeps the candidate up-to-date.Test Assumption I by negation: Even if the candidate also reads newspapers, the statement about radio remains valid. Therefore I is not necessary.Test Assumption II by negation: If television, web portals, or newspapers also provide recent news, the candidate can still choose radio as a sufficient method. Exclusivity is not needed; thus II is not necessary.Hence, neither I nor II is required for the claim to hold.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the sufficiency perspective: Radio news can be one adequate channel among many. The statement neither rules out other media nor asserts that radio is the only source of timely updates.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I is implicit: Incorrect; the candidate could still read newspapers.
  • Only II is implicit: Incorrect; the claim does not hinge on radio being exclusive.
  • Either I or II / Both I and II: Incorrect; neither is necessary.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that mentioning one method implies excluding all others, or that effectiveness implies exclusivity.



Final Answer:
Neither I nor II is implicit

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