Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “Work hard to be successful in the examinations.” — A advises B. Assumptions to evaluate: I. B will listen to A’s advice. II. Passing the examination is desirable. III. Hard practice leads to success.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only II and III are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Advice generally rests on a goal being desirable and a means being effective. We must find which beliefs the adviser must hold for the advice to make sense.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: The recipient will certainly follow the advice.
  • II: Passing the exam is a desirable outcome.
  • III: Hard work/practice causally promotes exam success.


Concept / Approach:

  • Advice does not require certainty of compliance (I); it requires that the adviser values the outcome (II) and believes the method works (III).
  • Thus the necessary assumptions are II and III.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Evaluate II: If passing were not desirable, advising hard work to pass would be pointless. So II is assumed.Evaluate III: The suggestion “work hard” presupposes that hard work leads to success. So III is assumed.Evaluate I: Not required; advice can be offered even if the adviser doubts compliance. The efficacy and desirability are enough to justify giving the advice.


Verification / Alternative check:

Drop II or III and the advice loses its rationale. Drop I and the advice remains meaningful.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Options including I add an unnecessary compliance assumption; “All” overstates requirements; “None” contradicts the evident goal-and-means premises.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming advice entails guaranteed obedience; it does not.


Final Answer:

Only II and III are implicit

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