Critical Reasoning — Implicit Assumptions Statement: Traffic jams on most city roads have become a regular feature during monsoon. Assumptions: I. Material used for road construction cannot withstand monsoon, causing innumerable potholes. II. The number of vehicles on roads is much higher in monsoon than in other seasons.
-
AOnly assumption I is implicit
-
BOnly assumption II is implicit
-
CEither I or II is implicit
-
DNeither I nor II is implicit
-
EBoth I and II are implicit
Answer
Correct Answer: Only assumption I is implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The statement notes a seasonal pattern: frequent traffic jams during monsoon. We must identify which causal belief is being assumed to explain this recurrence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Observation: jams are regular in monsoon.
- Assumption I: poor road durability in rains leads to potholes and congestion.
- Assumption II: traffic volume increases in monsoon vs other seasons.
Concept / Approach:When a statement highlights a seasonal recurrence, typical implicit causes relate to seasonal conditions (rain damage, waterlogging) rather than to counter-seasonal spikes in vehicle count. Monsoon-damaged surfaces slowing traffic is a standard underpinning assumption.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Link monsoon to road condition degradation (water damage → potholes → slower speeds → jams). This causal chain supports the observation. I is therefore implicit.2) The idea that more vehicles are on the road in monsoon is counterintuitive; many people actually travel less in heavy rains. The statement does not rely on a vehicle-count surge. II is not necessary.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I: roads withstand monsoon perfectly — then jams would require a different explanation; the highlighted seasonal regularity loses a natural cause. Negate II: vehicle numbers do not increase — the statement can still be true due to worse road conditions. Thus only I is needed.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Only II, Either, Both, or Neither: They either introduce an unnecessary condition or ignore the plausible monsoon-specific cause tied to infrastructure.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming every repeated event must be due to demand spikes. Supply-side constraints (road quality) can be the critical seasonal factor.
Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit