Question 1

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: The entire North India, including Delhi and neighbouring states, remained without power for the whole day of 19 December as the northern grid supplying electricity to seven states colla…

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Introduction / Context:The statement reports a widespread blackout, noting the grid “collapsed yet again.” Your task is to identify which hidden assumptions are necessary for the report to be meaningful. Such questions test comprehension of implicature (what is implied but not directly stated).Given Data / Assumptions:A multi-state northern grid collapsed on 19 December, causing an all-day outage.Assumption I: “Yet again” implies a prior collapse.Assumption II: The grid system (serving multiple states) is inherently ineffective.Concept / Approach:Words like “again” or “yet again” presuppose earlier occurrence. However, calling a system ineffective is an evaluative judgment not required for merely reporting the event. The news report can stand without condemning the architecture of grid-based supply.Step-by-Step Solution:Parse the key phrase: “collapsed yet again.”From ordinary language, “again” presupposes at least one earlier collapse → supports Assumption I.Assess Assumption II: The statement reports a fact; it does not generalize that grid systems are ineffective. A failure does not logically entail inherent ineffectiveness.Therefore, only Assumption I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negation test for I: If there were no earlier collapse, the phrase “yet again” would be inappropriate, undermining the sentence. Negation test for II: Even if grid systems are effective overall, a particular collapse can still occur; the report remains valid. Thus II is not required.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Either / Neither / Both: Each ignores the presupposition triggered by “yet again.”Common Pitfalls:Confusing a factual report of failure with a universal claim about system design.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 2

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: “Believe me, I have read it in newspaper X.” Assumptions: I. Newspaper X provides reliable information. II. I am reporting the content exactly as it appeared in newspaper X.

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Introduction / Context:This is a credibility-based argument: the speaker asks to be believed because the claim appeared in a specific newspaper. To decide which assumptions are implicit, we analyze what must be true for the appeal to authority (the newspaper) to persuade the listener.Given Data / Assumptions:The speaker cites newspaper X as the source.Assumption I: Newspaper X is trustworthy and accurate.Assumption II: The speaker is conveying the report faithfully (no misquotation, distortion, or omission).Concept / Approach:For a source-based appeal to work, two links must hold: the source must be reliable, and the messenger must transmit the information accurately. If either link breaks, the exhortation “Believe me” loses force.Step-by-Step Solution:Link 1 (source reliability): If newspaper X is unreliable, citing it does not add credibility → Assumption I is necessary.Link 2 (faithful reporting): If the speaker misreports or misremembers, the citation cannot justify belief in the specific claim → Assumption II is necessary.Thus, both assumptions are required for the argument to be persuasive.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I: If newspaper X is notorious for inaccuracies, “Believe me, it was in X” fails as a reason. Negate II: If the speaker paraphrases incorrectly, the actual content of X does not support the stated claim. In both negations, the argument collapses.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I or Only II: Each ignores the other essential link in the credibility chain.Either / Neither: An appeal to authority needs both a credible authority and accurate transmission.Common Pitfalls:Assuming the source’s name alone guarantees correctness, or forgetting that misquoting can invalidate otherwise reliable sources.Final Answer:Both I and II are implicit

Question 3

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: Many people have expressed surprise because the princess has broken the royal tradition of marriage by choosing a commoner as her life partner. Assumptions: I. People expect royal famil…

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Introduction / Context:The statement reports public “surprise” at a princess breaking royal marital tradition. We must identify which assumptions are necessary for this reaction to be coherent. In such items, focus on what is minimally required for the reported reaction to make sense.Given Data / Assumptions:Action: The princess chooses a commoner, breaking tradition.Reaction: Many people are surprised.Assumption I: People expect the royal family to follow tradition.Assumption II: People value royal blood purity and status in such marriages.Concept / Approach:Surprise at a rule-breaking action typically presupposes an expectation that the rule or custom would be followed. Whether people specifically value blood purity or social status is an additional, stronger assumption that is not strictly required to explain the surprise.Step-by-Step Solution:Identify the basis of “surprise”: deviation from an expected norm.Assumption I directly supplies that norm: the public expects tradition to be observed, hence the surprise.Assumption II adds a particular value judgment (blood purity/status). The surprise could exist purely due to tradition-breaking, even if observers are indifferent to lineage purity.Therefore, only Assumption I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I: If people did not expect adherence to customs, the act would not be surprising; the reported reaction becomes inexplicable. Negate II: Even if people no longer care about blood purity, the act can still surprise because it breaks an established tradition.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Either / Both: These overstate the requirement by importing a specific value judgment not necessary for surprise.Neither: Fails to recognize the expectation underpinning surprise.Common Pitfalls:Confusing general expectation of rule-following with particular ideological reasons (status, bloodline) for holding that expectation.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 4

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: Highly brilliant and industrious students do not always excel in written examinations. Assumptions: I. Written examinations are good mainly for mediocre students. II. Brilliant and indu…

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Introduction / Context:The statement contrasts underlying ability and effort with exam performance, claiming that even very capable and hardworking students sometimes do not excel in written tests. The task is to identify which assumptions must hold for this observation to be reasonable.Given Data / Assumptions:Claim: Some brilliant, industrious students do not always achieve top scores in written exams.Assumption I: Written exams primarily favor mediocre students.Assumption II: Even brilliant and industrious students may fail to produce excellent written answers consistently.Concept / Approach:To make sense of the claim, we need only accept that exam performance depends on more than brilliance and industry, such as test technique, time management, stress, or alignment with marking schemes. That aligns with Assumption II. Assumption I is an exaggerated generalization and not necessary.Step-by-Step Solution:Interpret “do not always excel” as “there exist occasions when they underperform.”This is compatible with II: sometimes these students cannot write answers that score highly.I claims an overall bias toward mediocre students, which is neither stated nor required to explain occasional underperformance of top students.Thus, only II is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negate II: If brilliant and industrious students always write excellent answers, the statement becomes false. Negate I: Even if exams favor top students, they could still occasionally underperform; the original statement stands.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I, Either, Both: These attribute an unnecessary global property to exams.Neither: Overlooks the minimal requirement captured by II.Common Pitfalls:Reading “do not always” as “never,” or smuggling in sweeping criticisms of exam systems not needed for the claim.Final Answer:Only assumption II is implicit

Question 5

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: All employees are notified that the organisation will provide transport facilities at half cost from the nearby railway station to the office, except for those who already receive a tra…

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Introduction / Context:This administrative notice offers subsidised transport from the railway station to the office, excluding employees who already receive a travelling allowance. The reasoning task is to decide which assumptions are necessary for issuing such a notice.Given Data / Assumptions:Policy: Half-cost office transport is offered from the station; employees with travelling allowance are excluded.Assumption I: Most employees will use the transport.Assumption II: Employees with travelling allowance will not read the notice.Concept / Approach:A notice requires only that some relevant employees exist and that they be informed. It does not require that “most” will use the facility, nor does it presume that a particular subgroup will ignore the announcement. The exclusion clause merely clarifies eligibility.Step-by-Step Solution:Assess I: The facility could still be announced even if only a minority uses it; widespread uptake is not a necessary assumption.Assess II: The notice is addressed to all; it cannot assume any segment will not read it. The clause “except those with travelling allowance” is to prevent double benefits, not to anticipate non-reading.Hence, neither I nor II is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I: Even if most employees do not use it, informing them remains appropriate. Negate II: Even if allowance-holders read it, the exclusion still needs to be stated.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I / Only II / Either / Both: Each adds unnecessary claims about participation rates or readership that the notice does not require.Common Pitfalls:Assuming that policy announcements presuppose majority use, or that exclusions imply ignorance by the excluded group.Final Answer:Neither I nor II is implicit

Question 6

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: The government has decided to hold employers responsible for deducting tax at source (TDS) for all their employees. Assumptions: I. Employers may still not arrange to deduct tax at sour…

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Introduction / Context:Policy announcements often prompt test-takers to infer motives or predictions. Here, the state decides to make employers responsible for TDS. We must identify which assumptions are required by the decision itself, not by conjectures about future compliance or employee reactions.Given Data / Assumptions:Decision: Employers will be held responsible for deducting TDS for all employees.Assumption I: Despite responsibility, employers may still not deduct tax.Assumption II: Employees may resist employer deductions.Concept / Approach:For a decision to be taken, the minimal assumptions are about administrative clarity and accountability, not about non-compliance being inevitable or employee resistance. The statement does not require predictions of failure by either party; it merely assigns responsibility.Step-by-Step Solution:Identify what the statement asserts: a policy assignment of responsibility.Check I: Suggests employers may still not comply. That is speculative and not necessary to justify the decision.Check II: Predicts employee resistance. The statement neither mentions nor relies on such resistance.Therefore, neither I nor II is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I and II: Even if employers do comply and employees do not resist, assigning responsibility is still a sensible policy. The decision’s logic survives without these suppositions.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I / Only II / Either / Both: Each imputes unnecessary forecasts about behavior that the decision does not entail.Common Pitfalls:Confusing reasons a policy might be needed (past non-compliance) with assumptions that must be true for the policy to be adopted or announced.Final Answer:Neither I nor II is implicit

Question 7

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: “Whenever you have any doubt on this subject, you may refer to the book by Enn and Enn.” Assumptions: I. The book by Enn and Enn is available for consultation. II. There is no other boo…

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Introduction / Context:Advice about reference material typically presupposes availability and usefulness. The speaker suggests consulting a specific book whenever doubt arises. We must extract the necessary assumptions for this advice to be meaningful.Given Data / Assumptions:Directive: Refer to the book by Enn and Enn when in doubt.Assumption I: The book is accessible (in library, store, or personal copy).Assumption II: No other book exists on the subject.Concept / Approach:For the recommendation to work, the referenced book must be obtainable; otherwise the advice is futile. However, exclusivity is not necessary: the book can be recommended even if many other books exist.Step-by-Step Solution:Check I with negation: If the book is unavailable, the advice becomes impractical. Therefore I is necessary.Check II with negation: Even if other books exist, the advice can still prefer the Enn and Enn book for clarity or depth; exclusivity is not required.Hence, only Assumption I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Consider that academic recommendations usually highlight a reliable source among many, not necessarily the only one. The instruction “you may refer to …” signals permissive guidance, not exclusivity.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Either / Both: Incorrect because the existence of alternatives does not weaken the advice.Neither: Overlooks the necessity of availability.Common Pitfalls:Equating “refer to X” with “refer only to X,” and forgetting that availability is the critical practical assumption.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 8

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: “I can take you quickly from Kanpur to Lucknow by my cab, but you must pay me double the normal charges.” Assumptions: I. Normally, it takes more time to reach Lucknow from Kanpur. II. …

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Introduction / Context:This practical reasoning question examines incentives and baseline conditions. A cab driver claims a faster trip for double the normal fare. Which assumptions must be true for the offer to make persuasive sense?Given Data / Assumptions:Offer: Faster travel between Kanpur and Lucknow in exchange for higher payment.Assumption I: The normal journey takes longer; speed is a valued improvement.Assumption II: People want speed but will not pay extra (a contradiction to the offer’s intent).Concept / Approach:The offer’s persuasive power depends on there being a meaningful time saving over the normal alternative. That is Assumption I. Assumption II is inconsistent with the seller’s proposition; he expects at least some passengers to pay more for speed.Step-by-Step Solution:Establish baseline: Normal travel time is significant enough that a quicker option is attractive → supports I.Evaluate II: If people generally will not pay extra, the offer would be pointless; the driver would not frame it this way. The statement does not presume universal refusal.Therefore, only I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I: If the normal journey is already quick, paying double offers no advantage; the sales pitch fails. Negate II: If some people will pay more for speed, the offer makes sense. The decision to propose double fare assumes at least some demand for faster service, not a blanket refusal.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Either / Both: These claim or allow a refusal to pay that undermines the seller’s rationale.Neither: Misses the necessary baseline condition about normal travel time.Common Pitfalls:Interpreting a market offer as requiring universal acceptance; in reality, it targets customers with higher time value.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 9

Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions:  Statement: “I would like to study the impact of pay revision on job satisfaction of employees,” A tells B. Assumptions: I. Job satisfaction can be measured. II. A has the necessary competence to u…

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Introduction / Context:Research intent statements imply certain baseline conditions about what is being studied. Here, A wishes to study how pay revision affects job satisfaction. We must identify which assumptions must hold for the intention to be meaningful.Given Data / Assumptions:Intent: Study the impact of pay revision on job satisfaction.Assumption I: Job satisfaction is a measurable construct (through scales, surveys, indices).Assumption II: A possesses the competence to conduct the study.Concept / Approach:To propose a study, at minimum the outcome variable (job satisfaction) must be measurable; otherwise impact cannot be assessed. However, the mere expression of intent does not require proving A’s competence. One can desire to study a topic while still needing training or assistance.Step-by-Step Solution:Check I via negation: If job satisfaction could not be measured, assessing impact would be impossible. Thus I is necessary.Check II via negation: Even if A currently lacks competence, stating the wish to study remains coherent; A could collaborate or learn. Therefore II is not necessary for the statement to make sense.Hence, only Assumption I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Consider common HR research practice: validated instruments (for example, Likert-type scales) are widely used to quantify satisfaction. Feasibility rests on measurement, not on the current qualifications of the person expressing interest.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Either / Both: These overstate what the statement presumes about the speaker.Neither: Overlooks the essential measurability of the construct.Common Pitfalls:Confusing the preconditions for proposing a study (measurability) with the researcher’s personal credentials, which are relevant to execution but not to the logical coherence of the stated intent.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 10

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “In the recently imposed war, global public opinion was dishonoured by the economically strong and scientifically advanced superpower.” Which of the following assumptions are implicit in the above statemen…

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Introduction / Context:This critical-reasoning item asks you to identify the hidden assumptions behind a comment about a war. The speaker claims that global public opinion was “dishonoured” by a powerful superpower. We must infer what beliefs must be true for the statement to make sense.Given Data / Assumptions:I: Superpowers need not take any heed of global public opinion.II: Global public opinion must have been against the imposition of war.Concept / Approach:An assumption is an unstated idea that the author takes for granted. To test assumptions, use the negation test: if the assumption is false, the original claim becomes weakened or pointless.Step-by-Step Solution:1) The word “dishonoured” implies that the superpower disregarded or violated what the global public believed or wanted. For that criticism to be meaningful, global opinion must have been opposed to the war (assumption II).2) The statement also presumes that the superpower acted unilaterally or without adequate regard for global opinion—essentially, that it felt free to ignore it (assumption I).3) If II were false (global opinion favored the war), there would be nothing to “dishonour.”4) If I were false (superpowers must heed global opinion), then ignoring it would be impossible or abnormal, undercutting the claim of dishonour by routine behavior.Verification / Alternative check:Replace “dishonoured” with “followed.” The sentence would then imply alignment with opinion, contradicting the original tone. This confirms that both assumptions—opposition (II) and disregard (I)—underpin the claim.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I or only II: The criticism requires both disregard and an opposed public.Either I or II: Not interchangeable; both are necessary.Neither: Would make “dishonoured” baseless.Common Pitfalls:Do not treat “dishonoured” as mere “not consulted.” It carries a value judgment that presumes public opposition and deliberate neglect.Final Answer:Both I and II are implicit

Question 11

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “How is it that the village is not shown in this so-called official map of this district?” Identify which assumptions the speaker must be making.

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Introduction / Context:The speaker challenges a map by calling it a “so-called official map” and asking why a village is missing. We must uncover the necessary assumptions that give force to this challenge.Given Data / Assumptions:I: The official district map is expected to show all the villages of that district.II: This is not an authentic and official map.Concept / Approach:Questions that challenge credibility typically rest on two pillars: (a) a standard that has been violated, and (b) doubt that the artifact meets its claimed status. Apply the negation test for each assumption.Step-by-Step Solution:1) If an “official district map” is supposed to include every village, then not showing a village is a significant omission. Hence, assumption I must be true for the criticism to carry weight.2) By calling it “so-called official,” the speaker suggests suspicion regarding its authenticity. That suspicion is itself an assumption (II): it may not be a genuine official map.3) Negate I: If official maps need not show all villages, the absence is not necessarily an error, weakening the challenge.4) Negate II: If the map certainly is official, the phrasing “so-called” loses its purpose.Verification / Alternative check:Imagine two scenarios: (a) the map is truly official but incomplete against its own standard—still questionable; (b) the map is not official at all—then the doubt is justified. The speaker’s wording presupposes both the standard (I) and doubts about status (II).Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I or only II: The statement communicates both an expectation about content and skepticism about authenticity.Either I or II: Both are jointly suggested, not alternatives.Neither: Would make the complaint incoherent.Common Pitfalls:Do not confuse inference with assumption. Here, the suspicion (“so-called”) functions as an assumption of inauthenticity.Final Answer:Both I and II are implicit

Question 12

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “The cost of living has gone up in India.” Which assumptions logically underlie this statement?

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Introduction / Context:The claim “cost of living has gone up” refers to general living expenses. We must identify what the speaker must believe for this to be a sensible conclusion.Given Data / Assumptions:I: The prices of essential commodities have gone up in recent times.II: Many luxury goods are available in plenty in the country.Concept / Approach:Cost of living is primarily affected by essential goods and services (food staples, rent, utilities, transport). Availability of luxury goods does not directly determine the cost of living.Step-by-Step Solution:1) If essentials cost more, then maintaining the same standard of living becomes more expensive—this underpins the statement. Hence assumption I is necessary.2) Assumption II concerns luxury abundance, which may occur alongside high or low costs of living. It is neither necessary nor sufficient to justify the claim.3) Negate I: If essential prices have not risen, the blanket statement “cost of living has gone up” becomes doubtful.4) Negate II: Even if luxury items are scarce, the cost of living could still rise due to essentials. Thus II is irrelevant.Verification / Alternative check:Check CPI logic: CPI baskets are dominated by essentials. A rise in these categories validates the speaker’s statement; luxury good availability does not.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Both / Either: II does not support the cost-of-living claim.Neither: I is indeed required.Common Pitfalls:Do not equate “more luxury goods” with “higher living cost.” These are different economic indicators.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 13

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “No budgetary provision for appointing additional faculty will be made, given the institute’s changed financial priorities.” Which assumptions are implicit here?

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Introduction / Context:An institute announces a budget decision tied to “changed financial priorities.” We must infer what the decision assumes about funding and competing needs.Given Data / Assumptions:I: Appointment of faculty requires funds.II: There are other areas beyond faculty appointments that now require more financial attention.Concept / Approach:A budget is a financial plan. Excluding an item because of new priorities assumes both the costliness of that item and the higher priority of alternatives.Step-by-Step Solution:1) If hiring faculty did not require money, zero budget would not impede hiring. Thus I is necessary.2) “Changed financial priorities” implies some other heads are favored over hiring; otherwise, there would be no reason to exclude faculty appointments. Thus II is also necessary.3) Negate I: Faculty appointments are free—then the budget statement is meaningless.4) Negate II: No other area needs more attention—then withholding budget from hiring contradicts the notion of reprioritization.Verification / Alternative check:Budget trade-offs inherently presume opportunity cost: choosing A implies not choosing B due to limited resources—aligning with I and II.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I or only II: Both cost and competing priority are required for the rationale.Either / Neither: Incompatible with the explicit logic of budget shifts.Common Pitfalls:Do not read the statement as a value judgment on faculty; it is a resource-allocation claim.Final Answer:Both I and II are implicit

Question 14

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “The economic condition of the country has gone from bad to worse.” Which assumptions are being made, if any?

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Introduction / Context:This statement reports deterioration in economic conditions. We must decide whether it assumes (I) government failure or (II) lack of public cooperation.Given Data / Assumptions:I: The government has failed to tackle economic problems.II: People are not cooperating with the government.Concept / Approach:Descriptive claims about outcomes do not necessarily assign causes. Unless the statement attributes blame, causal assumptions are not required.Step-by-Step Solution:1) “Bad to worse” may result from many factors: global shocks, commodity prices, disasters, policy lags, or geopolitical risks.2) The statement does not say why deterioration occurred—only that it did. Therefore, neither I nor II must be true.3) Negation test: if the government did not fail (contrary to I), the statement about worsening could still hold due to exogenous causes. If people cooperated (contrary to II), conditions could still worsen.Verification / Alternative check:Consider independent economic indicators (inflation, unemployment, GDP growth). They can worsen without implying any specific behavioral fault.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I, only II, both, or either: These add causal attributions absent from the statement.Common Pitfalls:Avoid the “causal reading” trap—do not infer blame where none is stated.Final Answer:Neither I nor II is implicit

Question 15

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Argument: “Science is like a news agency. Its information is extraordinarily reliable due to verification methods and longevity. Therefore, science should be read with as much interest as we read news.” Which assumpt…

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Introduction / Context:The author analogizes science to a news agency and recommends reading science with the same interest as news. We must determine which beliefs must be true for the recommendation to be persuasive.Given Data / Assumptions:I: Science encourages an investigative spirit.II: People read news out of interest.Concept / Approach:For the conclusion “read science with as much interest as news” to work, it must be true that news is typically read with interest (II). Whether science encourages investigation (I) may be true, but it is not required for the specific comparison made.Step-by-Step Solution:1) The logic is comparative: if people are already motivated to read news because it is interesting, the author wants to transfer that same level of interest to science.2) The premise focuses on reliability and verification of science; it does not require the separate claim that science inculcates investigative spirit (I) to justify “read it with interest.”3) Negate II: If people do not read news out of interest, the conclusion collapses. Negate I: Even if science did not encourage investigation, the reliability argument could still support reading it with interest.Verification / Alternative check:The rhetorical move hinges on the audience’s habit: news → read with interest. That habit anchors the analogy; hence II is essential.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I / Both / Either: I is not necessary for the specific recommendation.Neither: II is clearly needed.Common Pitfalls:Do not introduce extraneous virtues of science (like fostering curiosity) unless the argument relies on them.Final Answer:Only assumption II is implicit

Question 16

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “Deepak has a large collection of books and keeps purchasing new books to add to his collection.” Which assumptions are implicit?

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Introduction / Context:The statement describes Deepak’s repeated behavior regarding books. We must infer the minimal beliefs that make this description reasonable.Given Data / Assumptions:I: Deepak loves and cares for books.II: Deepak has read each and every book that he has purchased.Concept / Approach:From continued acquisition and a substantial collection, it is reasonable to assume positive attitude or love for books (I). Reading every single book (II) is an unnecessary and extreme assumption.Step-by-Step Solution:1) Persistent purchasing for a collection indicates interest, appreciation, or love—assumption I.2) Collections often contain unread items; the behavior does not guarantee complete readership. Hence II is not necessary.3) Negate I: If Deepak does not like books, the repeated purchases and collection become odd and unmotivated.4) Negate II: Even if he has not read every book, the statement remains fully sensible.Verification / Alternative check:Collectors (stamps, art, vinyl) often acquire items for curation, not exhaustive use. The same logic applies to books.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Both / Either: II is not required and overreaches.Neither: I is indeed implicit in the behavior described.Common Pitfalls:Avoid equating purchase with consumption. Acquisition signals preference; completion is an extra claim.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 17

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Advertisement excerpt: “Wanted: unmarried, presentable, matriculate girls (18–21), able to speak fluent English, to be taken as models.” Which assumptions are implicit in this advertisement?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:The advertiser specifies attributes for modeling candidates, including fluency in English. We must determine which assumptions support this specification.Given Data / Assumptions:I: Fluency in English is a prerequisite for good performance as a model (for the intended assignments).II: Height does not matter in performing as a model.Concept / Approach:Stated requirements indicate what the advertiser believes is necessary for the role advertised. Absence of a requirement does not prove that attribute is unimportant in general.Step-by-Step Solution:1) Listing “able to speak fluently in English” as a must-have implies the advertiser assumes this skill is needed for their modeling work (I).2) The ad says nothing about height. That could mean height will be assessed later, or is unimportant for this particular campaign, or is assumed above a baseline. It does not logically imply that height “does not matter” (II).3) Negate I: If English fluency were irrelevant, the requirement would be pointless. Negate II: If height matters in some contexts, the advertisement could still omit it.Verification / Alternative check:Job ads tailor requirements to specific roles; they often omit non-critical or negotiable factors.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Both / Either: II is an unjustified conclusion from silence.Neither: I is clearly implied by the explicit requirement.Common Pitfalls:Do not treat absence in a list as proof of irrelevance; it may simply be unstated.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 18

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “There has been a remarkable increase in air traffic in India during the past few years.” Which assumptions are implicit in this observation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:The statement notes a strong rise in air traffic. We must identify what underlying belief supports this trend description.Given Data / Assumptions:I: Travelling by air has become a status symbol now.II: Large numbers of people are able to afford air travel now.Concept / Approach:Traffic volume generally grows when more people can afford the service and when access has expanded (routes, capacity). “Status symbol” is neither necessary nor sufficient to explain widespread growth.Step-by-Step Solution:1) A “remarkable increase” implies demand-side expansion. Affordability (II) is a straightforward driver and thus a reasonable assumption.2) Even if air travel were a status symbol (I), that alone would not ensure mass growth; status signaling can be limited to few.3) Negate II: If few can afford flights, large growth is unlikely. Negate I: If air travel is not a status symbol, growth can still occur due to affordability and connectivity.Verification / Alternative check:Consider price drops, low-cost carriers, and rising incomes—each bolsters II without requiring I.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I / Both / Either: I is optional and not essential.Neither: II is necessary for the plausible explanation of growth.Common Pitfalls:Beware of attributing mass phenomena to prestige motives; economics of affordability is the core driver here.Final Answer:Only assumption II is implicit

Question 19

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Suggestion in a company: “Blue tie would help us identify our staff from others.” Which assumptions are implicit in this suggestion?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:A practical workplace suggestion proposes a uniform marker (a blue tie) to distinguish staff from non-staff. We must identify what must be true for this suggestion to be sensible.Given Data / Assumptions:I: The company needs to identify its staff.II: Blue tie is the latest fashion.Concept / Approach:A uniform element (tie color) is recommended to solve an identification need. Fashion trends are irrelevant to the identification problem.Step-by-Step Solution:1) The suggestion presupposes there is an operational need to distinguish employees from visitors/contractors (I).2) Whether blue is fashionable (II) does not affect identifiability; any consistent and distinctive marker would work.3) Negate I: If no need to identify staff exists, the recommendation is pointless.4) Negate II: Even if blue is unfashionable, it could still function well as an identifier.Verification / Alternative check:Uniforms, badges, or color codes are standard solutions to identification needs; their utility rests on the need, not on fashion.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Both / Either: Fashion is not a required assumption.Neither: I is clearly required to justify the proposal.Common Pitfalls:Do not confuse selection of a color (an arbitrary choice) with the functional assumption of needing identification.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

Question 20

Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: A advises B, “If you want to study Accounts, join Institute Y.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Institute Y provides good Accounts education. II. B is likely to listen to A’s advice.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:This assumption question tests whether you can detect the minimum unstated belief that makes an advice statement rational. When someone recommends a specific institute for Accounts, the underlying logic must support why that institute helps achieve the stated goal.Given Data / Assumptions:Advice: “Join Institute Y for Accounts.”Assumption I: Institute Y offers good Accounts education.Assumption II: B will (or tends to) follow A’s advice.Concept / Approach:An assumption is implicit if, without it, the statement loses purpose or becomes unreasonable.Advice presupposes that following it leads to the desired outcome; it does not require that the recipient will actually follow it.Step-by-Step Solution:If Institute Y were not good for Accounts, recommending it would be irrational. Hence I is necessary.Whether B listens is not required for the advice itself to be meaningful. Advice can be sound even if ignored. Hence II is not necessary.Verification / Alternative check:Keep I true, drop II: The advice still makes sense. Keep II true, drop I: The advice becomes poor. This confirms only I is implicit.Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only II / Either / Neither / Both: These either assume compliance (unnecessary) or fail to require institute quality (necessary).Common Pitfalls:Confusing the effectiveness of advice with the recipient’s obedience. Logical necessity concerns the content, not the outcome.Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit

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