The ‘statement and assumption’ topic in reasoning is the most generally asked topic in competitive exams. The fundamental behind such topics is to test the applicant’s critical thinking skills.
What is Statement and Assumption Reasoning?
An assumption is something that we take for granted or assume. By reading the given statements, candidates need to take the right decision.
Here taking the right decision means selecting the correct assumption.
Statement
What is the difference between a sentence and a statement?
A sentence is a form of a statement, whereas there may be several ways of formulating the same statement.
For instance,
‘All men are mortal’
‘Every man is mortal’,
Above both lines are the same statements but two different sentences.
In statement and assumption, statements can be of the following types.
i) Declarative sentence that has some meaning and it is either true or false,
ii) Declarative sentence which would assert true or false nature.
Example
1. Man is mortal’
2. Delhi is the capital of India
Assumption
An assumption is a premise that supports the conclusion. The assumption is unquestionable facts but the assumption is not explicitly stated and needs to be deciphered.
Types of Statement and Assumption
As of now we know what consists of the questions related to the Statement and Assumption reasoning section. Let us see the various types of questions that may come one by one below.
1. Existence/Non – existence of the subject
In this type of statement and assumption reasoning, the assumptions are normally simple in nature. Here the assumptions are usually existing or non existing types.
2. Cause Effect
In this type of statement and assumption reasoning, some statements will be given, which will mention a cause and effect relationship. In this type of reasoning, words like “therefore”, “thus”, “hence”, etc. are used frequently. And it would be an assumption to say that “this cause leads to this effect.”
3. Course of action
In this type of statement and assumption reasoning, a fact, report, observation, or study will be given followed by a suggested course of action.
4. Advertisement/Notice/Appeals
In this type of statement and assumption reasoning, the statements given are usually in a form of an advertisement or an official notice or a notice issued in public interest or an appeal.
How to Solve Question-Based on Statement and Assumption Reasoning- Know all Tips and Tricks
Candidates can find various tips and tricks below for solving the questions related English Statement and Assumption reasoning section.
Tip # 1: An Assumption is the missing link of the logical structure of an argument. It is left unsaid and therefore, assumed.
Tip # 2: There are some standard categories of statements that have standard ways of assuming certain things.
Tip # 3: In judging the validity of a given assumption, a special note should be taken of some keywords.
Tip # 4: The answer choice “either of them is implicit” is very rarely correct for assumption questions.
Tip # 5: The assumption should be considered from Author’s point of view and not yours.
Tip # 6: There are some words that lend a greater degree of emphasis to understand the sentence. The word “definitely”, “certainly”, “only”, “best”, “strongest”, “all”, etc. Impart a kind of exclusiveness to the sentence and thereby reduce the scope of the sentence.
Tip # 7: Repetition is certainly not implicit.
Tip # 8: Try not to be too logical with the statements. The assumption must only be made based on the given information in the statement.
Tip # 9: Common assumptions can always be followed but do not align the general information with the given assumptions.
Tip # 10: Use the elimination method if you are unable to apprehend the answer.
Types of Statement and Assumption Questions
Case 1: When assumption will be wrong.
a) If the statement is containing words like each, only, any, all, every, why, what, these, therefore, but, definitely, and certainly.
b) If it is talking about past and future.
For Example:
Sentence: Everybody loves reading Gita.
Assumptions:
(I) Gita is the only spiritual material.
(II) Not a single person loves reading any other material.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans: D
According to the above-given case, by reading the assumptions neither (I) nor (II) can be reasonably drawn from the given statement.
Case 2: When assumption will be true
a) If it is containing the words like many, some, much, and to large extent.
b) If it is conveying the message of advertisement, appeal, and notice.
c) If it is talking about social welfare, govt policies, etc.
For Example:
Statement: Do not throw the garbages outside the dustbin.
Assumptions:
(I) It is possible to throw the garbage outside the dustbin.
(II) Such warning will have some effect.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Answer: E
Explanation:
If it was not possible to throw the garbages outside the dustbin, there would be no need for the notice. Hence,(I) is implicitly true.
Likewise, the notice would not be placed if the warning would have no impact. Hence, (II) is also implicit.
So, the correct answer is E.
Sources
- https://bit.ly/3H1y6zN
- https://bit.ly/3XKryvf
