Statement and Assumption Questions

• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: “This book is prepared so that even a layman can study science in the absence of a teacher.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. A layman wishes to study science without a teacher. II. A teacher may not always be available to teach science. III. A layman generally finds it difficult to learn science on his or her own.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement (advertisement): “We do not want you to see our product in the newspaper. Visit our shop to get a full view.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. People generally decide to purchase merely by seeing a product's name in an advertisement. II. An uncommon, counter-intuitive appeal can attract customers. III. People may actually come to the shop to see the product after reading this message.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: “There is a big boom in the drug business; many jhuggi–jhopari dwellers in Delhi can be seen pedalling small pouches of smack and brown sugar.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Drug addiction is increasing in the country, particularly in the capital. II. All major drug dons live in jhuggi–jhopari areas. III. Most slum dwellers will do anything for money.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement (advertisement): “X-chocolate is ideal as a gift for someone you love.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. People commonly give gifts to loved ones. II. Advertisements of this kind can influence consumer behavior. III. Chocolate is an acceptable item to give as a gift.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement (advertisement by an airline): “Fly with us and experience the pleasure of flying.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. More passengers may be attracted to travel with the airline after reading the advertisement. II. People generally prefer an enjoyable, comfortable flight experience. III. Other airlines may not be offering the same facilities.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: “Bombay (Mumbai) people were spellbound, mesmerized, and went wild when they saw Michael Jackson’s hi-tech, pulsating, megawatt performance.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Shows accompanied by cutting-edge technology can have a magical effect on audiences. II. Bombay audiences were never impressed by Indian musicians. III. Michael Jackson is a superstar-level performer.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: Residents wrote to the Corporation asking it to restore normal drinking-water supply immediately, because the present supply is inadequate. Assumptions to evaluate: I. The Corporation may ignore the letter. II. The municipality has enough water to meet demand if managed properly. III. Water supply to the area was adequate in the past (“restore normalcy”).
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement (Company X's Chairman): “We are the only company in India and the second in the world to win ISO 9002 certification in our line of business.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. There are very few companies in this line of business. II. Earning ISO 9002 certification in this line is difficult. III. Company X aims to expand its business using this distinction.
• Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: “I want to present a book on techniques of yoga to Ajay on his birthday.” — A tells B. Assumptions to evaluate: I. A will be invited by Ajay to the birthday celebration. II. Ajay is not keeping good health (hence yoga techniques are needed). III. A book is an acceptable birthday gift.
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “Let us increase the taxes to cover the deficit.” Which of the following assumptions are implicit in the above proposal?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement (Chairman of the Admission Committee): “We must introduce objective-type tests to improve our examinations for admission to the MBA.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Advertisement: “Use X-brand shoes. These are durable and available in all sizes.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “The State Government has unilaterally increased by five percent the octroi on all commodities entering the state without seeking approval of the Central Government.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Context: “At the All India Commerce Conference, the session ‘Management of Service Sector in India’ surprisingly attracted a large number of participants and received very good media coverage.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Advertisement (Coaching Institute): “If you are intelligent, we are the right people for improving your performance.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “The Reserve Bank of India has directed banks to refuse fresh loans to major defaulters.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Directive (Director to Faculty): “We must be prepared to face any eventuality, and all the assignments must be completed as per their schedule.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Advertisement (Bank X): “Want to open a bank account? Just dial our ‘home service’ and we will come to your doorstep.” Which assumptions are implicit?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Warning (Railway Compartment): “Do not lean out of the moving train.” Which assumptions are implicit in issuing this warning?
• Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “Tender specifications will not be issued to firms that have 25% or more default in supplies against earlier purchase orders placed on them.” — Condition stated by Company X while inviting tenders. Assumptions to evaluate: I. Company X will be monitoring and evaluating the past performance quality of its suppliers. II. For this round, firms should keep their percentage of default as low as possible. III. Company X expects quality and a professional approach from its suppliers.