LOGICAL REASONING: STATEMENT AND ASSUMPTION

Statement
• A statement is a declaration or assertion that presents a fact, opinion, policy, or proposal
• It must be accepted as true for the purpose of the question

Important Rule
• Do not judge whether the statement is correct or practical
• Treat it as valid information

MEANING OF ASSUMPTION

Assumption
• An assumption is something that is taken for granted
• It is not stated directly but is necessary for the statement to hold

Key Insight
• If the assumption is false, the statement collapses

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASSUMPTION AND CONCLUSION

Assumption
• Exists before the statement
• Is required for the statement to be made

Conclusion
• Comes after the statement
• Is derived from the statement

TYPES OF ASSUMPTIONS IN CSAT

IMPLICIT ASSUMPTION

• Hidden within the statement
• Necessary for the statement to make sense

Example Logic
Statement:
“The government should increase the number of electric buses to reduce pollution.”

Assumption:
Electric buses reduce pollution.

EXPLICIT ASSUMPTION (RARE)

• Directly stated or clearly implied
• Usually easier to identify

SUPERFLUOUS ASSUMPTION

• May sound logical
• But not required for the statement

CSAT Trap
• Do not select assumptions that add extra information

RULES TO IDENTIFY CORRECT ASSUMPTION

Rule 1
• Assumption must be necessary for the statement

Rule 2
• It should not be too broad or extreme

Rule 3
• It should not be unrelated to the statement

Rule 4
• Avoid value judgments or opinions

NEGATION TEST (MOST IMPORTANT TOOL)

Concept
• Negate the assumption

Rule
• If negating the assumption destroys the statement, it is a valid assumption

Example
Statement:
“We should ban plastic bags to protect the environment.”

Assumption:
Plastic bags harm the environment.

Negation:
Plastic bags do not harm the environment.
→ Statement fails → Assumption valid

PRACTICE QUESTIONS 

Question 1
Statement:
“The school should introduce online classes to improve learning.”

Assumptions:
1. Online classes help in improving learning.
2. Students prefer online classes over offline classes.

Question 2
Statement:
“The government has decided to increase the minimum support price for farmers.”

Assumptions:
1. Increase in MSP will benefit farmers.
2. Farmers are demanding an increase in MSP.

Question 3
Statement:
“Use of bicycles should be encouraged to reduce traffic congestion.”

Assumptions:
1. Bicycles can reduce traffic congestion.
2. People are willing to use bicycles.
 

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Subject: CSAT

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