Statement and Assumption
Here is a detailed explanation of the Statement and Assumption topic as covered in your PDF, along with step-by-step examples and practice questions to help you master this reasoning skill.
Statement and Assumption: Detailed Explanation
Statement and Assumption is a core topic in logical reasoning, frequently featured in government and competitive exams. It tests your ability to analyze a given statement and determine which underlying assumptions are logically implied by it123.
Key Concepts
- Statement: A single sentence or a set of sentences presenting a fact, opinion, or situation.
- Assumption: An unstated premise that is taken for granted in the statement. It is something the author believes to be true in order for the statement to make sense.
- Implicit Assumption: Not directly stated but necessary for the statement to be valid.
- Explicit Assumption: Directly stated in the statement (rare in reasoning questions).
Types of Assumptions
- Direct Assumptions: These are straightforward and can be easily inferred from the statement.
- Example:
- Statement: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
- Assumption I: “Apple is good for health.”
- Assumption II: “Apple is not good for health.”
- Correct Answer: Only Assumption I is practical1.
- Example:
- Indirect Assumptions: These require deeper understanding and interpretation of the statement.
- Example:
- Statement: “The only possible way of getting success is to treat everything that comes on your way positively.”
- Assumption I: “If you score low marks in any exam, instead of cursing yourself, you should find the faults and just work upon them hard.”
- Assumption II: “Whatever will happen to you, all depends upon your luck. You have no role to play in it.”
- Correct Answer: Only Assumption I is practical1.
- Example:
How to Solve Statement and Assumption Questions
- Read the Statement Carefully: Understand the context and meaning.
- Analyze Each Assumption: Check if the assumption is necessary for the statement to be true.
- Identify Implicit Assumptions: Choose assumptions that are not explicitly stated but are logically required.
- Eliminate Irrelevant Assumptions: Discard assumptions that are not connected or contradict the statement.
- Do Not Overcomplicate: Stick to the information given in the statement. Do not bring in outside knowledge unless it is a common assumption123.
Rules and Tips
- An assumption must be implicit in the statement.
- An assumption cannot be the opposite of the statement.
- An assumption cannot be more specific than the statement.
- An assumption cannot be a personal opinion or belief.
- Use the elimination method to narrow down options45.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Direct Assumption
Statement: The advisable age for a child to join a school is 5 years.
Assumptions: I. At this age, the child is familiar to adaptability. II. After this age, kids do not like to go to school. III. Schools do not take admission of children who are more than 5 years old.
Answer: Only Assumption I follows12.
Explanation: The statement suggests that 5 years is the best age for adaptability, not that children cannot join after 5 or that schools refuse older children.
Example 2: Indirect Assumption
Statement: Food poisoning due to the consumption of liquor is very common in rural areas.
Assumptions: I. There are more illegal and unauthorized shops selling liquor in villages and rural areas. II. The ratio of people drinking liquor in villages is much more than that in towns.
Answer: Only Assumption I follows1.
Explanation: The statement talks about food poisoning due to liquor, not about the number of people drinking. Assumption I is relevant as it explains the cause of food poisoning.
Example 3: Doctor’s Advice
Statement: Divya was advised by the Doctor that she should not take part in the dance competition.
Assumptions: I. The Doctor did not want Divya to take part in the competition because he was afraid that she might lose. II. Divya had major surgery because of her injury. III. Divya did not have the money to go for the auditions.
Answer: Assumption II follows but Assumption I and III do not follow1.
Explanation: The doctor would only advise against participation if there is a health reason, such as surgery.
Example 4: Election Scenario
Statement: In an election conducted in Village X, only 20% of the total number of women in the village came to vote.
Assumptions: I. The number of men in the village is more than the number of women in the village X. II. Women had to cook food and could not come to vote.
Answer: Neither Assumption I nor Assumption II follows1.
Explanation: The statement gives no information about the number of men or the reason women did not vote.
Example 5: School Summer Camp
Statement: The school has decided to cancel the summer camp this year.
Assumptions: I. No entries have been received by the Institution for students willing to join the summer camp. II. It is being cancelled because the weather is too hot.
Answer: Only Assumption I follows12.
Explanation: The camp is usually held in summer, so the weather is not a valid reason for cancellation. Lack of entries is a logical assumption.
Additional Practice Questions
Question 1
Statement: “The annual rainfall in the region has increased.”
Assumptions: I. The region’s climate is prone to variations. II. Increased rainfall is beneficial for agriculture. III. The increased rainfall is due to climate change.
Answer: Assumptions I and II are implicit; III is not5.
Question 2
Statement: “The company’s profits have surged this quarter.”
Assumptions: I. High profits are a positive outcome for the company. II. The surge in profits is due to improved sales. III. The company’s competitors are facing financial losses.
Answer: Assumptions I and II are implicit; III is not5.
Question 3
Statement: “The government has imposed a ban on single-use plastics.”
Assumptions: I. Reducing plastic waste is an environmental priority. II. People are willing to switch to alternative, eco-friendly products. III. Enforcing the ban will be challenging.
Answer: All assumptions are implicit5.
Question 4
Statement: “The government is implementing stricter traffic rules.”
Assumptions: I. Stricter traffic rules will improve road safety. II. People are generally compliant with traffic rules. III. Enforcing stricter rules will be challenging.
Answer: All assumptions are implicit5.
Question 5
Statement: “If you’re a classical dancer, we have an exciting job for you.”
Assumptions: I. We need a classical dancer. II. You are a classical dancer.
Answer: Only Assumption I is implicit6.
Summary Table
Statement Example | Implicit Assumption(s) | Explanation |
---|---|---|
An apple a day keeps the doctor away | Apple is good for health | Direct assumption |
The advisable age for a child to join school is 5 | Child is adaptable at 5 | Direct assumption |
Food poisoning due to liquor is common in rural areas | More illegal liquor shops in villages | Indirect assumption |
Divya was advised not to join dance competition | Divya had major surgery | Indirect assumption |
Only 20% of women voted in village X | None | No relevant assumption |
School cancelled summer camp | No entries received | Direct assumption |
Tips for Success
- Practice a variety of statement and assumption questions.
- Focus on the implicit meaning of the statement.
- Eliminate assumptions that are not necessary or contradict the statement.
- Do not bring in outside knowledge unless it is a common assumption123.
This comprehensive guide, with explanations, examples, and practice questions, will help you master statement and assumption reasoning for any competitive exam.
https://byjus.com/govt-exams/statement-assumptions/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://testbook.com/reasoning/statement-and-assumption-reasoning ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://prepinsta.com/statement-and-assumptions/questions/ ↩︎
https://leverageedu.com/discover/indian-exams/study-material/questions-of-statement-and-assumption/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://testbook.com/objective-questions/mcq-on-statements-and-assumptions--5eea6a1539140f30f369f440 ↩︎