Critical Reasoning – Implicit Assumptions Statement: The two countries have signed a fragile pact, but the vital sovereignty issue remains unresolved. Assumptions: I. The two countries cannot have a permanent peace pact. II. The two countries may.

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Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:Describing a pact as “fragile” while noting an unresolved sovereignty issue signals instability. We must determine which assumption is necessary for this characterization to matter. Given Data / Assumptions: Fact: A pact exists but is fragile. Issue: A vital sovereignty dispute remains unsettled. Assumption I: A permanent peace pact is impossible. Assumption II: Hostilities may resume soon. Concept / Approach:Calling a pact fragile presupposes risk of breakdown, not the impossibility of lasting peace. Thus, the necessary belief is the possibility of renewed hostility, not a categorical “never” on permanence. Step-by-Step Solution: Assumption II aligns with “fragile”: the accord could collapse, leading to renewed tensions.Assumption I overreaches: “cannot have permanent peace” is an absolute claim that is not required to call the current pact fragile. Verification / Alternative check: A fragile bridge may still last if reinforced; fragility signals risk, not impossibility. Why Other Options Are Wrong: I-only and Both: Commit to an absolute that the statement does not imply.Either/Neither: Fail to capture the clear risk embedded in “fragile.” Common Pitfalls: Confusing “risk of failure” with “certainty of failure.” Final Answer:Only assumption II is implicit

Critical Reasoning – Implicit Assumptions Statement: The two countries have signed a fragile pact, but the vital sovereignty issue remains unresolved. Assumptions: I. The two countries cannot have a permanent peace pact. II. The two countries may become hostile again after a short spell of time.

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