Reasoning – Statement – Assumptions
What is Statement – Assumptions?
An assumption is something the author presumes to be true in order to make the statement. You must identify whether a given assumption is implicit or not.
Types of Assumptions
1. Practical: Assumes a logical action or condition.
2. Behavioral: Assumes common human traits.
3. Technical: Assumes availability or possibility.
Example Questions
- Statement: Students should be allowed to evaluate their teachers.
Assumption I: Students can judge teachers.
Assumption II: Evaluation improves teaching.
Answer: Answer: Both are implicit.
- Statement: You should carry an umbrella in the monsoon.
Assumption I: It often rains in monsoon.
Assumption II: Umbrella prevents rain.
Answer: Answer: I is implicit, II is not.
Exam Tips
- Ask yourself: must this be true for the statement to make sense?
- Avoid far-fetched or extra information.
- Assumptions are not conclusions—they are background logic.
Common Mistakes
- Treating conclusion as assumption.
- Missing implied ideas necessary for statement validity.
- Confusing general truth with specific assumptions.
Quick Revision Checklist
- Rephrase the statement and ask: what must be assumed?
- Avoid using real-world facts unless necessary.
- Practice differentiating assumption vs inference.
Summary: Assumption questions build inference skills. Focus on what is presupposed, not what is stated or concluded explicitly.