Statement and Assumption Questions

• Statement & Assumption — Travel agency ad: “If you desire the best holiday in Europe, join our exclusive EURO package.” Which assumptions are implicit? I. Many Indians travel to Europe for holidays. II. Other travel agencies in India also organize Europe tours. III. Some people may still choose other agencies.
• Statement & Assumption — “Who rises from prayer a better person has had his prayer answered.” Which assumptions are implicit? I. Prayer makes a person more humane/better. II. Prayer atones all our misdeeds.
• Statement & Assumption — A recruitment letter for written exams states: “You have to bear your expenses on travel, etc.” Which assumptions are implicit? I. If not clarified, candidates may claim reimbursement of such expenses. II. Many organizations reimburse travel expenses for written tests.
• Statement–Assumption — Advertisement: “Enroll with us before 30 November to get the advantage of our 20% discount offer.” Assumptions: I. The discount offer is bound to attract good students as well. II. Even students who currently cannot afford the coaching fees may join because of the discount.
• Statement–Assumption — “If you want to get a good job, you must have at least basic knowledge of computers.” Assumptions: I. All good jobs involve the use of computers. II. Most companies nowadays have made basic computer knowledge an essential criterion.
• Statement–Assumption — “The municipal corporation permits fun fairs in the local football ground during the holiday season.” Assumptions: I. Local residents may protest the corporation’s decision. II. Many people may refuse to participate in the fun fair.
• Statement–Assumption — “There is concern about the health of the arrested VIPs but not about the harm they have done to the nation’s health,” says a journalist. Assumptions: I. VIPs are not more important than the nation. II. The practice of showing concern for VIPs’ health should be stopped.
• Statement–Assumption — “The company has decided to increase the price of all its products to tackle its precarious financial position.” Assumptions: I. The decision may wipe out all previously incurred losses. II. Buyers may continue to purchase even after the price increase. III. The company has enough resources to continue production for a few more months.
• Statement–Assumption — “The State Government has unilaterally increased octroi by 5% on all commodities entering the state without seeking Central Government approval.” Assumptions: I. The State Government may be able to implement/enforce its decision. II. The Central Government may agree to support the State’s move. III. The State Government may earn considerable additional revenue from the higher octroi.
• Statement–Assumption — “Feelings of mutual respect among communities are the ultimate safeguard. Once that respect goes, no Constitution can substitute for it.” Assumptions: I. Mutual respect is a social virtue that a Constitution cannot itself manufacture. II. Law cannot be expected to ensure goodwill and harmony among citizens on its own.
• Statement–Assumption — “With today’s calls to revise the Constitution, we must ask whether the Constitution has failed us, or we have failed the Constitution.” Assumptions: I. Merely revising the Constitution will not help unless people are willing to abide by it. II. Governance and/or compliance are not functioning as they should.
• Statement–Assumption — Notice in a sweet shop: “While weighing sweets, we do not include the weight of the box used to carry the sweets.” Assumptions: I. The cost price of a box is not less than the cost of sweets per gram. II. Customers prefer to pay only for the weight of the sweets they buy.
• Statement–Assumption — Mr. X to Mr. Y: “If you wish to purchase a car, you should buy a Mercedes only, because the least number of cars stolen each year are Mercedes.” Assumptions: I. People who wish to purchase a car are financially capable of buying a Mercedes. II. Mercedes has a very small share of total cars sold, which could explain low theft numbers.
• Statement–Assumption — “People of State X were forced to eat rats due to starvation and malnutrition,” states an NGO in a public-interest writ petition (PIL) to the court. Assumptions: I. The court will issue notice to the State Government to relieve people of such acute distress. II. The court has the power to direct the State to ensure protection and preservation of human rights.
• Statement–Assumption — Bank X advertisement: “With ‘Crop Junior Account’ stop worrying about money; concentrate on your studies. Features: no delays, no transaction cost, plus the safety of dealing with a Government of India enterprise.” Assumptions: I. Most people trust transactions with a Government of India enterprise. II. Customers desire the cheapest and most hassle-free service.
• Statement–Assumption — Citizen’s view on Special Operation Group (SOG): “When forces like SOG are set up, some excesses are bound to happen and some innocents suffer. But we should be satisfied with the success of SOG.” Assumptions: I. Suffering of some innocents is a small price in the larger public interest. II. It is difficult for SOG to achieve desired results without any negative impact.
• Statement–Assumption — Department of Environment (public notice): “Do not burn leaves. Bury them in compost pits so they convert into natural manure, which benefits the soil.” Assumptions: I. Burning leaves releases particulate matter and raises air pollution, causing respiratory/eye problems. II. Composting leaves yields more useful benefits for soil than the ash obtained by burning.
• Statement–Assumption — Beverage vending advertisement: “A tempting cup of hot Georgia awaits you at every street corner… tea in Regular, Adrak, Elaichi, Masala; or coffee in Regular, Mocha, Cappuccino. One sip will show every other option is a compromise!” Assumptions: I. Many people seek a delicious cup of tea or coffee and appreciate variety in taste. II. Every person is addicted to either tea or coffee.
• Statement–Assumption — A newly appointed Prime Minister says: “If you ask me about the daunting challenges we face, my government’s first priority is to improve the existing law-and-order situation. Next comes the issue of commodity prices.” Assumptions: I. If citizens can sleep peacefully (law and order), they can then focus on feeding their families, education, and moving freely. II. Prices of essential commodities significantly affect the common person.
• Statement–Assumption — Department of Consumer Affairs: “If you have unresolved consumer disputes, do not feel helpless. Assert your rights. Approach the District Consumer Forum for speedy redressal.” Assumptions: I. People avoid approaching the forum due to red-tapism in its procedures. II. Offering speedy redressal will itself attract many unresolved disputes to the forum.