In questions about statements and assumptions, you’re presented with a statement presented as a fact, and your task is to pick the most logically correct and appropriate assumption. Getting these questions right can boost your score, but if answered incorrectly, you might face negative marks. It’s crucial to practice these types of questions and grasp the rules behind statements and assumptions. In this article, we’ll dive into how to tackle these questions effectively, complete with some sample questions to help you get the hang of it.

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

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.

Existence or Non-Existence of the Subject: In these scenarios, assumptions are straightforward—they either suggest something exists or doesn’t. It’s about making simple judgments regarding the presence or absence of the subject.

Cause and Effect Relationships: Here, you’ll encounter statements presenting a cause and effect connection. Words like “therefore,” “thus,” and “hence” are common. Assuming that a particular cause leads to a specific effect becomes a key aspect of this reasoning.

Course of Action: This type involves presenting a fact, report, observation, or study, followed by a proposed course of action. You’re essentially asked to make assumptions about the most appropriate steps to take based on the given information.

Advertisement, Notice, Appeals: When dealing with advertisements, official notices, public appeals, or similar formats, the statements provided often resemble real-world communication. You’ll need to make assumptions that align with the nature of these messages, considering the context and purpose behind them.

Rules of Statement and Assumption

• Assumptions are generally made in a positive light and are not set in stone. They often have an optimistic and indefinite quality.
• If words like “what if?” or “why” appear, or if the assumption is framed as a question, it’s likely to be false. Also, words indicating certainty such as “certainly” suggest a false assumption.
• Words like “to a large extent” or “much” imply that the assumption is more likely to be true. These provide a sense of assurance.
• If there’s an action tied to conveying a message from a government source, it’s likely to be true. This applies especially to government advertisements or notices.
• Another indicator of a true assumption is if it relates to positive social welfare or government policies. This suggests a certain level of reliability.
• Assumptions referring to the past and future are likely to be false. Stick to the present for a more reliable basis.
• Assumptions that include phrases like “suggestion,” “order,” or “request” tend to be true. These indicate a sense of formality and official direction.
• While restating an assumption might clarify, it doesn’t make it true. Be cautious; a restated assumption is not necessarily a correct one.
• If the assumption involves a person being present in an examination, it’s likely false. This seems to be a consistent indicator of an untrue assumption.

Tips to Solve Statement and Assumption Questions

Here are some tips and recommendations to help solve statement and assumption questions effectively.

Many candidates are perplexed by statement and assumption questions, and many candidates try to avoid the topic and its questions. it must be understood that candidates can effectively and correctly solve the questions if they understand the basic concept behind the topic. The list of the tips to solve statement and assumption questions is as follows:

• When you read a statement, assume everything in it is true from the author’s perspective. Don’t overthink or bring in external facts.
• Don’t overanalyze statements. Instead, focus on the information given and try not to be overly logical or connect it to general knowledge.
• Forget what you know outside the statement. Common assumptions are okay; just stick to what’s provided.
• Keep it simple. Understand that the statement isn’t necessarily aligned with broader facts or common knowledge.
• Think from the author’s point of view, not yours. What would the author assume based on the information given?
• If the answer isn’t obvious, use the elimination method. Get rid of assumptions that don’t make sense and choose from the remaining options.
• Familiarity is key. Regularly practice statement and assumption questions using these rules. It’ll make you more comfortable with this type of problem.

Sample Questions about Statement and Assumption

1. The boss leaned over to his assistant and said, “Hey, can you please put up a notice on the board reminding everyone to show up on time to the office?”

Assumptions:

I. Not everyone is punctual in the office.

II. People actually bother to read notices on the board.

III. The team will actually follow the directive.

(a) Only I and II are probably true

(b) Only III is a safe bet

(c) Only II and III seem likely

(d) It’s likely that I and III are true

Explanation: (c) The notice implies that some employees might be tardy (I not implicit). Since the boss asked for the notice to be posted, it’s reasonable to assume that people read such notices on the board (II implicit). Following instructions is likely since it’s a directive from the boss (III implicit).

2. Picture this: “Come fly with us and enjoy the thrill of flying!” – a catchy airline ad.

Assumptions:

I. More people might be tempted to choose this airline after seeing the ad.

II. People generally prefer a pleasant flying experience.

III. Other airlines may not offer the same enjoyable features.

(a) None of these can be assumed for sure

(b) It’s quite likely that I is true

(c) It’s quite likely that II is true

(d) None of these are clear assumptions

Explanation: (d) The ad is designed to attract passengers (I is implicit). The pleasure of flying is highlighted, suggesting people prefer a good flight experience (II is implicit). However, it doesn’t provide information about other airlines, so III is not implicit.

3. The letter from the residents to the corporation pleaded for a quick fix to the inadequate drinking water supply in their area.

Assumptions:

I. The corporation might not respond to the residents’ letter.

II. The municipality probably has enough water to meet the demand.

III. Water supply to the area was likely sufficient in the past.

(a) Only I and III are likely true

(b) Only II is probably true

(c) Only II and III are likely true

(d) Only III is probably true

Explanation: (d) The corporation’s response isn’t clear from the statement (I not implicit). The municipality’s water supply isn’t mentioned, so II is not implicit. Since the residents want to restore normalcy, it implies the water supply was adequate in the past (III is implicit).

4. The directors emphasized to the faculty, “We need to be ready for anything, and all assignments must be completed on time.”

Assumptions:

I. There’s a chance of facing a serious situation.

II. There are set dates for completing assignments.

III. Faculty members are expected to finish all assignments.

(a) Only I is a safe bet

(b) None are clear assumptions

(c) Only III is a safe bet

(d) All of these are likely true.

Explanation: (d) I is implied as the directors talk about being prepared for any eventuality. II is implicit because a schedule for completing assignments is mentioned, and III is implicit as the statement is directed at all faculty members.

5. Sudesh shared with Amrish, “I want to give Ajay a book on yoga techniques for his birthday.”

Assumptions:

I. Ajay will likely invite Sudesh to his birthday.

II. The person receiving the book might not be in great health.

III. A book is considered an acceptable birthday gift.

(a) Only I and II are probably true

(b) Only II and III are likely true

(c) Only I and III are likely true

(d) It’s not clear if any are true

Explanation: (c) Both I and III are likely true. Sudesh has decided to gift the book to Ajay on his birthday, so he’ll probably be invited, and a book is generally an acceptable gift.

Read Also: Question Set 1: Logical Reasoning Questions CLAT 2023