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.
Verbal Reasoning
Statement and Assumption
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AOnly I and II are implicit
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BOnly II and III are implicit
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COnly I and III are implicit
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DAll are implicit
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ENone of these
Answer
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