SSC CGL Preparation – Day 7

Table of Contents

Reasoning – Statement and Assumptions


๐Ÿ“Œ What is a Statement and Assumption Question?

  • Statement: A given sentence expressing a fact, opinion, or proposal.
  • Assumption: Something not directly stated, but believed or taken for granted in order for the statement to be valid.

Your task: Identify the assumption(s) that the speaker/writer must believe to be true for the statement to make sense.


๐ŸŽฏ Definition of Assumption

An assumption is an unstated premise. It’s what must be true for the given statement to be valid, logical, or reasonable.


โœ… Example

Statement: โ€œStudents should bring umbrellas during the rainy season.โ€

Assumption I: It rains during the rainy season.
Assumption II: Students know how to use umbrellas.

๐ŸŸฉ Correct answer: Only Assumption I is implicit.
๐Ÿ‘‰ The statement makes sense only if we assume it rains in the rainy season.


๐Ÿง  Key Concepts

ConceptExplanation
ImplicitNot directly stated but can be inferred.
ExplicitClearly written in the statement (not an assumption).
Valid AssumptionSomething that must be true for the statement to be meaningful or logical.
Invalid AssumptionAnything that introduces new information or speculation not needed for the logic.

๐Ÿ”Ž How to Approach These Questions

  1. Read the statement carefully.
  2. Ask: โ€œWhat must be true for this statement to make sense?โ€
  3. Avoid guessing based on general knowledge.
  4. Donโ€™t overthink โ€“ stick to what is necessary for the statement.

โš ๏ธ Common Traps to Avoid

TrapWhat It Means
Over-assumingIncluding ideas not in the statement.
Factual confusionMixing general facts with assumptions.
Personal biasJudging the statement based on personal views.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Common Types of Assumptions in SSC CGL

  1. General belief assumption
    โžค Statement assumes a general truth or belief.
  2. Cause-effect assumption
    โžค Statement assumes X will cause Y.
  3. Necessity assumption
    โžค Statement assumes something is needed to achieve something.
  4. Feasibility assumption
    โžค Statement assumes the suggestion/proposal is practically possible.

๐Ÿงฉ Practice Examples


Q1.
Statement: โ€œGovernment should reduce the tax on petrol.โ€
Assumptions:
I. People will benefit from reduced petrol prices.
II. Government has enough funds to afford this reduction.

๐ŸŸฉ Answer: Only Assumption I is implicit.
๐Ÿ“ Explanation: Without assuming that people benefit, the statement has no meaning.


Q2.
Statement: โ€œSchool should make uniforms compulsory.โ€
Assumptions:
I. Uniform brings discipline.
II. Some students are not disciplined.

๐ŸŸฉ Answer: Only Assumption I is implicit.
๐Ÿ“ Explanation: The suggestion makes sense only if uniforms lead to discipline.


Q3.
Statement: โ€œThe railway authority has increased the frequency of trains on the route.โ€
Assumptions:
I. The number of passengers on this route may have increased.
II. People prefer rail travel.

๐ŸŸฉ Answer: Only Assumption I is implicit.


๐Ÿ“˜ Golden Rules to Identify Assumptions

Rule No.Rule
1If the assumption must be true for the statement to work โ€“ it’s implicit.
2If the assumption introduces extra, unrelated facts โ€“ it’s invalid.
3General knowledge that supports the statement is allowed.
4Don’t over-interpret. Stick to the surface logic.

๐Ÿ“Œ Tips for SSC CGL Exam

  • Expect 2โ€“3 questions from this topic.
  • Options usually include:
    • Only Assumption I is implicit
    • Only Assumption II is implicit
    • Both I and II are implicit
    • Neither I nor II is implicit
  • Focus on logical dependency, not truthfulness.

๐Ÿง  Quick Test Yourself (No answers here)

  1. Statement: โ€œThe government should ban plastic bags.โ€
    Assumptions:
    I. Plastic bags cause environmental damage.
    II. Ban will reduce plastic use.
  2. Statement: โ€œAll train tickets should be booked online.โ€
    Assumptions:
    I. Everyone has internet access.
    II. Online booking is more efficient.

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