Logical 4 - Statement and Assumptions

Key Points to Remember:

An ASSUMPTION is something supposed or taken for granted, i.e., a fact that can be accepted as true on considering the contents of the given statement.

In this type, a statement is given, followed by two assumptions. The task is to assess the given statement and then decide which of the given assumptions is implicit in the statement.

Give answers as
(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
(e) - if both I and II are implicit

Practice Questions:

Question 1:

Statement - 
It is faster to travel by air to Delhi from Bangalore.
Assumptions - 
I. Bangalore and Delhi are connected by air.
II. There are no other means of transport available to Delhi from Bangalore.

The statement advises to travel by air between the two cities.
So, I is implicit.
Besides, it talks of air transport being a faster means of travel. This means that other means of transport, slower than air transport, are available.
So, II is not implicit.
Hence, answer is (a) - only assumption I is implicit.

Question 2:

Statement - 
Bank A has announced reduction of half percentage on the interest rate on retail lending with immediate effect

Assumptions - 
I. Other banks may also reduce the retail lending rates to be in competition.                       

II. Bank A may be able to attract more customers for availing retail loans.

Reducing interest rate on loans is surely a step a draw in more customers.
But, the implications of such a policy on other banks cannot be ascertained, as interest rate is not the only criterion to lure customers.
So, II is not implicit.
Hence, answer is (b) - only assumption II is implicit.

Question 3:

Statement - 
Even with the increase in the number of sugar factories in India, we will still continue to import Sugar.

Assumptions - 
I. The consumption of sugar per capita has increased in India.
II. Many of the factories are not in a position to produce sugar to their fullest capacity.

Clearly, the need to import sugar could be either due to increase in consumption or the inefficiency of the factories to produce sugar to their fullest capacity.
So, either I or II is implicit.
Hence, answer is (c) - either assumption I or II is implicit.


Question 4:

Statement - 
Who rises from the prayer a better man, his prayer is answered.

Assumptions - 
I. Prayer makes a man more humane.
II. Prayer atones all of our misdeeds.

The fact that only persons who become better by saying prayer are responded to, shows that prayer does not necessarily make man humane.
So, I is not implicit.
Nothing is mentioned as regards the fruitfulness of prayer.
So, II is not implicit.
Hence, answer is (d) - neither assumption I nor II is implicit.


Question 5:

Statement - 
We must settle all the payment due to our suppliers within three working days.

Assumptions - 
I. We will always have necessary funds in our account to settle the bills.
II. We are capable of verifying and clearing the bills in less than three working days.

Since, the statement talks of making all payments within three days, it is evident that the company has the necessary funds and the bills can be verified and cleared within the stipulated time.
So, both I and II are implicit.
Hence, answer is (e) - both assumptions I and II are implicit.


Time to Think:

Statement - 
"Use of cell phones and pagers is not allowed inside the auditorium. Please switch off such devices while you are inside the auditorium." - A Notice.

Assumptions - 
I. All those who have such devices will switch them off before they take their seat in the auditorium.
II. Generally, people do not bring such devices when they come to attend functions in the auditorium.