Statement and Assumption Questions

• Statement: “Publish the names of the ten worst colleges/institutions; this will lead to an overall improvement of Indian institutes.” — a reader’s request to a weekly’s editor. Assumptions: I. Naming and shaming will pressure management/administrators to improve conditions. II. The move will help admission-seekers avoid degraded institutions. III. The editor may accept the request and take positive steps.
• Statement: “City X should have more women driving public transport because most women do not over-speed, avoid mobile phone use while driving, do not play blaring music, and rarely jump red lights.” — a minister of state X. Assumptions: I. Increasing women drivers will create more job opportunities for women. II. Women are more disciplined than men on the roads. III. More women drivers would increase commuter safety.
• Statement: “Performing complex mental tasks while driving is dangerous.” — a psychologist. Assumptions: I. Increased cognitive load reduces the driver’s ability to detect hazards and react safely. II. Hands-free phone conversations can be as safe—or as risky—as talking to a passenger, depending on the conversational demands. III. Human insecurity is a man-made problem.
• Statement: “Despite a hike in the electricity tariff, power is still cheap in City X,” says the Power Minister. Assumptions: I. The cost of purchasing or generating electricity is much higher in City X than in the neighbouring states. II. A hike in tariff generally makes power costlier for consumers. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “Supporting the Reserve Bank of India’s Clean Note Policy, we have introduced special polythene currency-note packets. These are secure, transparent, and unstapled. Please help us maintain this.” — A request to customers of Bank XYZ. Assumptions: I. Writing on currency notes is not in tune with RBI’s Clean Note Policy. II. Only people’s participation is sufficient to achieve the RBI policy’s desired outcome. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “India needs a dedicated military satellite for future defence purposes, where communication will play a vital role in quick decision-making,” says the Chief of Air Staff. Assumptions: I. Future wars will be fought primarily through air and aerospace. II. Faster (speedy) communication enables quicker decision-making. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “We are taking care of this historic house, putting our lives at risk,” says an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) employee. Assumptions: I. The house is more precious than human lives. II. When people risk their lives to protect or maintain something, they are taking utmost care of it. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “From the dawn of civilisation, India’s tradition of respect for cultural diversity and spiritual values has been the bedrock of its intercultural dialogue and interaction with civilisations, countries, and nations,” says the Ministry of HRD. Assumptions: I. Other countries do not respect cultural diversity and spiritual values. II. The idea of a “Dialogue Among Civilisations” has become more important in the contemporary global scenario. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: The cabinet decided to wind up various existing environmental authorities and set up a National Authority headed by a Supreme Court judge, along with six regional authorities, to support the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Assumptions: I. The new authorities will be able to focus on eco-sensitive areas and region-specific issues more effectively. II. The new structure will help reorganise and streamline the functioning of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “It is very regrettable that although issues pertaining to the elderly and disadvantaged children do find space in the media, the treatment accorded to these topics is often shallow and rarely reflects their actual condition,” says Mr X. Assumptions: I. The media should not gloss over the real problems faced by the elderly. II. Radio/print coverage touches these issues but the information supplied often has little practical value. Which of the above assumptions are implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “Government employees, including doctors in state-run hospitals and dispensaries, have no right—fundamental, legal, moral, or equitable—to go on strike,” rules the Supreme Court. Assumptions: I. Government employees hold society to ransom by going on strike. II. The strike weapon is mostly misused, causing chaos and maladministration. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “Never touch or even go near any unclaimed object lying around in public areas, however attractive it may seem,” warns City Police X in a public-interest notice. Assumptions: I. Common people may not suspect that attractive, unclaimed objects could be dangerous. II. Unclaimed objects lying in public areas may be dangerous or disastrous. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “No matter which path you choose in photography, there are skills you need to succeed: visual sense, technical/camera/lighting ability, digital imaging skills, and—most importantly—proper training,” says Mr Z. Assumptions: I. Strong visual style and compositional skills plus technical training can make a photographer more successful. II. A sound education from a quality photography program helps one gain the skills required to succeed. Which of the above assumptions are implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “The monsoon is here, and so are the mosquitoes. Beware of deadly diseases! Do not leave, on rooftops or in the open, unused or broken articles like bottles, cups, tyres, etc.,” says a public-interest notice from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS). Assumptions: I. Mosquitoes spread fatal diseases, and controlling mosquito breeding can prevent disease spread. II. Unused/broken articles are capable of holding rainwater. Which of the above assumptions are implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “The Law Commission of India has called for sweeping changes in life insurance laws—not only to promote insurance business in the country but also to protect policyholders from hassles in claiming settlements.” Assumptions: I. Policyholders’ interests—especially in claim settlement—have not been fully satisfied under the current regime. II. It is feasible to enact sweeping changes to life insurance laws. Which of the above assumptions are implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “Are you creative and outgoing? Do you enjoy communicating ideas and working with others? A career in photography offers the opportunity to create art while working in a rewarding professional field,” says an advertisement. Assumptions: I. Producing commercial-quality photography requires technical expertise along with creativity. II. There are people who aspire to become successful photographers. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “If you are serious about professional photography and ready to take the next step, the Advanced Studies classes at the photography institute will teach you what you need to get started,” says A to B. Assumptions: I. Those seeking a stepping-stone to gain confidence and knowledge require structured training classes. II. Professional photographers at the institute provide hands-on instruction, portfolio-building opportunities, and career-supporting contacts. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “If you are selling your car or other vehicle, retain copies of the buyer’s photo identification (driving licence, ration card, election ID, etc.). A simple way to fight terror,” says a public-interest notice by City Police X. Assumptions: I. Vehicles sold can be misused by terrorists. II. Every individual wants to buy old cars/vehicles. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “I will not resign until I am proved guilty,” declares a politician in a speech. Assumptions: I. There are demands or expectations for his resignation. II. Some charges or allegations have been levelled against the politician. Which of the above assumptions are implicit in the statement?
• Statement: “Buy X Dairy milk—fresh, pure, and hygienic,” says an advertisement. Assumptions: I. Other brands of milk are also available in the market. II. X Dairy’s milk is the most expensive. Which of the above assumptions is implicit in the statement?