Two Assumptions Based

Critical reasoning involves the ability to actively and skillfully conceptualize, analyze, question and evaluate ideas

Introduction : Assumption is something which is supposed or assumed and are taken for granted. It is based on the hypothesis that when something is said, the complete meaning or idea is not presented. There are many things which remain unsaid. In this situation, when we take something for granted or suppose something that aspect of our supposition is called assumption.

The candidates are required to assess the given statement and decide which of the given assumptions is implicit in the statement. To understand the pattern of these questions, it is very essential to know what the terms statement and assumptions do stand for. Here, an assumption is something that can be supposed or assumed on the basis of a given statement.

Most questions on statement and assumptions consist of a statement and are followed with two or more further statements (assumptions) which have to be tested for, whether they are implied in the original statement or not.

In order to identify, whether an assumption is implied in a statement or not, the best way to do so is to look at the original statement in the question by negating the assumption which is being tested.

In case the assumption being tested is implied, negating it will have the effect of weakening the argument of the original statement.

While solving these questions, you should pay attention to some words 'all', 'only', 'each', 'every', etc., which are definite in nature and words like 'some', 'few' 'many', "large' are not definite. So, you can easily differentiate between them.

Two Assumptions Based : In this type of questions a statement is given, followed by two assumptions. The candidates is required to assess the given statement and then decide which of the given assumptions is implicit in the statement.

Directions : In each of the illustrations given below a statement is followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. Consider the statement and decide which of the given assumptions is implicit?

(a) if only Assumption I is implicit

(b) if only Assumption II is implicit

(d) if both I and Il are implicit

Illustration 1 : Statement : The Union Government has decided to withdraw existing tax relief on various small savings schemes in a phased manner to augment its tax collection.

Assumptions:

I. People may still continue to keep money in small savings schemes and also pay taxes.

II. The total tax collection increase substantially.

Solution (d) : The Union Government has decided to withdraw existing tax relief on various small savings schemes in a phased manner to augment its tax collection. This means withdrawing tax reliefs would increase the tax on small savings . This will also lead to increase in tax collection. Therefore, both the assumptions are implicit in the statement.

Illustration 2 : Statement : The Government has decided to levy 2% surcharge on the tax amount payable for funding drought relief programmes.

Assumptions:

I. The Government does not have sufficient money to fund drought relief programmes.

II. The amount collected by way of surcharge may be adequate to fund these drought relief programmes.

Solution (d) : If there were sufficient money to fund drought relief programmes, why this measure should be taken? So, as a surcharge has been levied to fund drought relief programmes, it follows that the Government does not have sufficient money for the same. So, I is implicit.

Besides, the percentage of surcharge must have been decided after studying the expected inflow in relation to amount of funds required. So, II is also implicit.

Therefore, both the assumptions are implicit in the statement.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

Directions : In the problem below a statement is given followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. Consider the statement and decided which of the given assumptions is implicit. Statement : Like a mad, I decided to follow him. Assumptions : I. I am not a mad man. II. I am a mad man.
A. If only assumption I is implicit;	B. If only assumption II is implicit;	C. If either I or II is implicit;	D. If neither I nor II is implicit and
Right Option : C
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Question : 2

Directions : In each question below is given a statement followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. You have to consider the statement and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is implicit in the statement. Statement : Never before such a lucid book was available on the topic. Assumptions : I. Some other books were available on this II. You have write lucid books on very few topics.
A. If only assumption I is implicit;		B. If only assumption II is implicit;
C. If either I or II is implicit;		D. If neither I nor II is implicit and
Right Option : A
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Question : 3

Directions : In each question below is given a statement followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. You have to consider the statement and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is implicit in the statement. Statement : "Computer education should start at schools itself". Assumptions : I. Learning computers is easy. II. Computer education fetches jobs easily.
A. If only assumption I is implicit;		B. If only assumption II is implicit;
C. If either I or II is implicit;		D. If neither I nor II is implicit and
Right Option : A
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