Statement and Assumption Questions

• Statement–Assumption (Ad: Wanted 2-Bedroom Flat in Court Area for Immediate Possession): Statement: “Wanted a two-bedroom flat in the Court area for immediate possession,” — a classified advertisement. Assumptions: I) Such flats are (or may be) available in the Court area. II) Some people will respond to the advertisement. III) It is standard practice to advertise such requirements.
• Statement–Assumption (Consultant: Prune Staff and Borrow to Restore Viability): Statement: “To make the company commercially viable, there is an urgent need to prune staff strength and borrow from financial institutions,” opines a consultant. Assumptions: I) Financial institutions will lend for such restructuring needs. II) The company’s product has a viable market (revenue can cover streamlined costs). III) The employees of the company are inefficient.
• Statement–Assumption (Cigarette Pack Warning: “Smoking is injurious to health”): Statement: “Smoking is injurious to health,” a warning printed on cigarette packets. Assumptions: I) People read printed matter on a cigarette packet. II) People take careful note of a health warning. III) Not smoking promotes better health.
• Statement–Assumption (Ad: “Z TV lets you watch two programmes simultaneously”): Statement: “‘Z’ TV is the only TV that gives viewers a chance to watch two programmes simultaneously,” says an advertisement. Assumptions: I) Sales of ‘Z’ TV may increase due to the advertisement. II) Some people will be influenced by the ad and buy ‘Z’ TV. III) Sales of ‘Z’ TV may currently be declining.
• Statement: ‘Z-TV, the only TV that lets viewers watch two programmes simultaneously’ — an advertisement. Assumptions: I. Sales of Z-TV may increase because of this advertisement. II. Some people may be influenced by the advertisement and buy Z-TV. III. The current sales of Z-TV may already be on a downward trend.
• Statement: The company has recently announced a series of incentives for employees who are punctual and sincere. Assumptions: I. Employees who are currently not punctual may be motivated by the announcement. II. The company's productivity may increase as a result. III. The company's profit may exceed the total expenditure on the incentive programme.
• Statement: “If you have obtained 75% or more marks in Class X, your admission to our coaching for Class XII is guaranteed.” — an advertisement by a coaching institute. Assumptions: I. Bright students generally do not opt for coaching classes. II. The coaching institute has adequate capacity to accommodate all such eligible students. III. The advertisement will be ignored by the target audience.
• Statement: “Television P — the neighbour’s envy, the owner’s pride.” — a TV advertisement. Assumptions: I. Catchy slogans appeal to people. II. People tend to feel envious of neighbours’ superior possessions. III. People want to annoy their neighbours.
• Statement: There is a big boom in the drug trade; many Jhuggi–Jhopri dwellers in Delhi can be seen peddling small pouches of smack and brown sugar. Assumptions: I. Drug addiction is increasing in the country, particularly in the capital. II. All major drug dons live in Jhuggi–Jhopri areas. III. Most Jhuggi–Jhopri dwellers would do anything for money.
• Statement: Ramesh decided to obtain railway reservation in February for a journey he plans to make in May to Chennai. Assumptions: I. Railways issue reservations three months in advance. II. There is more than one train to Chennai. III. Seats/berths will be available in the desired class when he books.
• Statement: The school authority will open a Summer School this year on the campus for students aged 7–14 years. Assumptions: I. All students will attend the Summer School. II. All parents will prefer to remain in the city rather than travel, so their children can attend. III. Families who cannot afford travel or out-of-station programmes will send their children to the Summer School.
• Statement: The police cordoned off the entire locality for a day and stopped all vehicular movement during the visit of a top government functionary, advising residents to limit their movement due to a threat perception. Which of the following assumptions is/are implicit?
• Statement: The apex body regulating universities will revise syllabi of all technical courses to align with current industry needs, thereby making technical graduates more employable than at present. Which assumptions are implicit?
• Statement: The Government urges all citizens to use electronic media for routine activities wherever possible, instead of paper, since paper manufacturing requires cutting many trees and harms the ecosystem. Which assumptions are implicit?
• Statement: The Government decides to auction highway construction in several blocks across the country to private entities on a build–operate–transfer (BOT) basis. Which assumptions are implicit?
• Statements: Airlines request bona fide passengers to check flight status before leaving home because heavy fog is causing major disruption to normal operations. Which assumptions are implicit?
• Statement: “Buy the most contemporary design. You will be seen driving the latest; and if you want to sell later, you will get a good price.” — Car advertisement. Assumptions: I. People prefer models with high resale value. II. A car’s design plays an important role in purchase decisions.
• Statement: “The dawn of the new millennium could affect computers and computer-run activities.” — A Y2K-era statement. Assumptions: I. The dawn of the new millennium will be sad for some people. II. Y2K specialists can solve the problem.
• Statement: “If a doctor’s degree is your ambition, choosing a good guidance institute is half the job done.” Assumptions: I. Without proper guidance, it is very hard to become a doctor. II. An institute alone cannot ensure success; the student's effort is also essential.
• Statement: “You need one who is as serious as you are, and equally dedicated.” Assumptions: I. Nothing significant can be achieved alone; at least one equally serious partner is needed. II. The statement specifically refers to a student and a teacher.