Statement and Assumption Questions

• Statement–Assumption — “Unlike other threats, AIDS spreads slowly but steadily. Governments spend billions against terrorism, yet do not show comparable seriousness against this sure killer.” — A citizen’s comment Assumptions: I) Government perception and prioritization of AIDS must change substantially. II) AIDS poses a greater threat to human life than terrorism. Choose the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement–Assumption — Ex-captain on pre-match toss: “When Mr X and Mr Y stepped out, it was evident that one had a positive frame of mind while the other was tense, fearing defeat and elimination.” Assumptions: I) Panic always sets in when a team plays after a spate of defeats. II) Some days a player reaches magical, unstoppable form making others look inadequate. Choose the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement–Assumption — City police request: “Mail your grievances and confidential information to the Commissioner of Police.” Assumptions: I) People across categories may have grievances or information to share. II) Citizens have blind faith in the efficiency of the vigilance branch’s flying squad. Choose the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Beware! Recycled coloured plastic bags contain harmful colour pigments which, when they come in contact with food, can make the food unfit for consumption and may cause severe food poisoning, allergies, or even death,” says a scientist. Assumptions I & II: I. The non-biodegradable nature of plastic bags is what makes them an environmental hazard. II. Using plastic bags is harmful and can have cascading adverse effects on human life. Choose the option that correctly identifies which assumption(s) is/are implicit in the statement.
• Statement: “Given a likely fiscal deficit of around five percent, there is no denying the need for a consensus to trim government expenditure,” says Mr. X. Assumptions I & II: I. Trimming government expenditure is an effective tool to curb the fiscal deficit. II. Trimming government expenditure is not an effective tool to curb the fiscal deficit. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: Despite India’s dismal World Cup performances, cricket betting is going on in full swing across the country (news report). Assumptions I & II: I. India’s dismal performances discourage betting business all over the world. II. Bookies are making merry (benefiting) from the continued betting. Choose the correct option on implicit assumptions.
• Statement: “I heard the news as soon as I woke up this morning, and I felt shattered.” Assumptions I & II: I. The incident reported in the news occurred before the speaker woke up. II. The news was shocking to the speaker. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “God bless all the parents whose children passed away in the Yamuna waters,” says a student. Assumptions I & II: I. The student believes in God (invokes blessing sincerely or idiomatically). II. Some children have died by drowning in the Yamuna. Choose the option that correctly identifies which assumption(s) is/are implicit.
• Statement: “Illiterate and drunk drivers should not be employed—at least where children are concerned,” says X. Assumptions I & II: I. Literacy contributes to safer or more competent driving. II. Children have a status equal to that of adults in every context. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Due to urgent repairs on a main line from the Wazirabad waterworks, water supply will be at low pressure on Thursday.” Assumptions I & II: I. Repair work impedes normal water supply. II. Water will still be available, albeit at low pressure. Choose the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Another strange thing I noticed last night was that the drawing-room lights were on.” Assumptions I & II: I. A thief must have entered the house. II. Usually, the drawing-room lights are kept off at night. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Women should be given vocational training related to their work,” reads an advice. Assumptions I & II: I. Vocational training can increase an individual’s efficiency. II. Women are likely to benefit from receiving vocational training. Choose the option that correctly identifies which assumption(s) is/are implicit.
• Statement: “People who swindle crores of taxpayers’ money go scot-free, while petty thieves—who may be stealing out of desperation—are given third-degree punishment and sometimes die in custody,” says Mr. X. Assumptions I & II: I. All persons should be equal before the law. II. Punishment should be proportionate to the degree of the offence committed. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Look under your seat. There could be a bomb. Raise the alarm. Earn reward.” — a written instruction to bus passengers Assumptions I & II: I. Passengers will read the instruction and may abide by it. II. Passengers’ participation may enhance overall security. Choose the option that correctly identifies which assumption(s) is/are implicit.
• Statement: To discipline auto drivers and provide relief to lakhs of passengers, the Transport Minister announced that strong action would be taken against drivers who do not display a magnified driver’s licence prominently on the windscreen after April 1. Assumptions I & II: I. Once implemented, the measure will make it impossible for autorickshaw drivers to fool owners in any way. II. The measure will facilitate easy identification of offenders. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: Government X proposes two new service cadres—Rural Development Service and Rural Engineering Service—to strengthen the Panchayati Raj model. Assumptions I & II: I. New cadres may help implement Government schemes empowering rural communities. II. Practical difficulties exist in implementing various schemes launched by Government X. Choose the option that correctly identifies which assumption(s) is/are implicit.
• Statement: “Policies, programmes, and seminars cannot change the status of women; what is needed is an attitudinal change in society towards working women.” — View of Mr. X Assumptions I & II: I. It is possible to change society’s attitude towards working women. II. The current status of working women is not satisfactory. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Providing cooked meals to all primary-school students in State X is not a proper or judicious step.” — a criticism Assumptions I & II: I. Students may hesitate to eat the cooked meal provided by the Government. II. The cooked meal served to students may be hazardous to their health. Choose the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Although no war occurred during Mr. X’s tenure as Prime Minister, many top bravery medals were conferred upon police officers for ‘curbing terrorism’ and ‘eliminating terrorists’ belonging to organisations from our own states,” says a citizen. Assumptions I & II: I. It is inappropriate to label the killing of terrorists from one’s own country as an act of bravery deserving top medals. II. A war is less harmful for a country than the menace of terrorism. Choose the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).
• Statement: “Completely eliminating the executive’s say is unacceptable; merit, ability, competence, integrity, and suitability alone are not enough for appointing High Court judges,” says a journalist. Assumptions I & II: I. A person’s social outlook, concern for public interest and equality, and political outlook also matter for judicial appointments. II. Executive consultation will ensure greater transparency in the appointment process. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).