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SSC CGL Preparation – Day 20
Reasoning – Statement and Assumptions
🔍 What is “Statement and Assumptions”?
In this type of question, you are given a statement followed by two or more assumptions. You must decide which assumptions are implicit (i.e., assumed) in the statement.
🧠 What is an Assumption?
An assumption is something not directly stated but which must be true for the statement to make sense.
🧪 Example:
Statement:
“The government should provide free education to all children.”
Assumptions:
- Education is important for all children.
- Government has the funds to provide free education.
✅ Answer: Only Assumption 1 is implicit.
(Assumption 2 talks about feasibility—not necessarily assumed.)
🎯 Importance in SSC CGL
- Frequently asked in Tier 2 (2–4 questions)
- Tests logical reasoning & critical thinking
- Easy to master with proper practice and rules
📚 Types of Assumptions
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Valid Assumption | Must be true for the statement to work |
| ❌ Invalid Assumption | Goes beyond what’s necessary / over-assumes |
| 🚫 Irrelevant | Doesn’t relate directly to the core intent of the statement |
🧠 Golden Rules to Identify Valid Assumptions
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Look for what the speaker believes to be true |
| 2️⃣ | Don’t assume facts not given |
| 3️⃣ | Assumptions must be basic beliefs behind the statement |
| 4️⃣ | Negative tone assumptions (e.g. people are dishonest) are often invalid |
| 5️⃣ | Assumptions are implicit, not directly mentioned |
✅ Keywords That Indicate Assumptions
- Should / must → implies belief that action is necessary
- Need / require → implies something is lacking
- Improve / increase / reduce → assumes a current problem
- Ban / restrict → implies something bad is happening
🚫 What is NOT an Assumption
- Opinions not related to the statement
- Statements about future effects unless clearly tied
- Factual data not hinted at in the statement
🔍 How to Approach These Questions
- Read the statement carefully
- Ask: “Does this assumption need to be true for this statement to be made?”
- Eliminate clearly unrelated or extreme assumptions
- Choose assumptions that support the intent of the statement
📝 Examples with Explanation
Q1.
Statement: The government should ban diesel vehicles to reduce pollution.
Assumptions:
- Diesel vehicles cause pollution.
- People will follow the ban.
✅ Answer: Only 1 is implicit
Explanation: The statement is based on the belief that diesel vehicles cause pollution. Assumption 2 is not necessary to justify the decision to ban.
Q2.
Statement: Students must take regular breaks while studying.
Assumptions:
- Studying for long hours without break reduces efficiency.
- Students are careless with their schedule.
✅ Answer: Only 1 is implicit
Explanation: 2 is negative and unrelated. 1 supports the purpose of the suggestion.
Q3.
Statement: Banks should provide loans only to those with good credit history.
Assumptions:
- People with poor credit history often default.
- Banks should avoid risky loans.
✅ Answer: Both are implicit
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ❌ Choosing assumptions that explain the statement rather than underlie it | Explanation ≠ Assumption |
| ❌ Choosing assumptions that are too specific or extreme | Over-assumptions are invalid |
| ❌ Assuming feasibility or outcomes | That’s conclusion, not assumption |
📊 SSC CGL Exam Strategy
| Tip | Action |
|---|---|
| 🧠 Understand tone | Is it suggestive, warning, factual? |
| 👓 Read assumptions like “What must be true for this to work?” | |
| ❌ Avoid assumptions with words like “All”, “Always”, “Never” | They tend to be invalid |
| 💡 Practice daily | Just 5 a day builds sharpness |
