Statement vs Assumption

The ‘statement and assumption’ issue appears frequently in competitive examinations and is an important component of the Government exam curriculum. The purpose of such questions is to assess the candidate’s capacity for making sound decisions.

The amount of statement and assumption questions on government exams ranges from one to five, and with just logical responses, these questions are also efficient.

Statement and Assumptions Concepts

In a statement and assumption question, a statement is provided in the question, which is then followed by a few assumptions drawn from it. Candidates must select the assumption that is most logically and appropriately correct.

If you answer questions based on a statement or an assumption logically, you will receive a higher score. However, if you opt to guess, you will lose points. Therefore, you must solve an increasing number of problems to ensure that you are able to comprehend the proper approach to such questions.

One of the most important things to understand about assumptions is that when a statement is presented, the author of the statement thinks the assumption to be true, and candidates must adopt the same approach when answering questions on this topic.

Factors to be considered while choosing the correct assumptions

• It must have a direct relationship to the statement
• There should be no ambiguity
• It should not be unnecessary
• It should not merely restate the original message
• It must not be the conclusion derived from the statement
• It should not contain words such as “all,” “every,” “each,” “only,” etc
• It may contain terms associated with any possibility, such as may be, perhaps, etc
• Based on a single assertion, it can be numerous in number

Types of Assumptions

We typically encounter two types of assumptions. They may be classified as

• Direct assumptions
• Indirect assumptions

Direct Assumptions

In this situation, the assumptions are readily apparent from the statement itself. A thorough reading of the sentence is sufficient to answer your difficulty. Let’s look at an example to better comprehend it.

Statement − “An apple a day, keeps a doctor away.”

Assumptions −

1. Apple is beneficial to health.
2. Apple is detrimental to health.

A – Only the first assumption is realistic.

B – Only the second assumption is practical.

C – Both assumptions I and II are plausible.

D – Neither assumption I nor assumption II is realistic.

Both of the assumptions are plausible.

Answer − Option A

Explanation −

If eating an apple every day eliminates the need for a doctor, then of course we can infer it’s excellent for your health. Thus, premise I is practical whereas premise II is not.

Indirect Assumptions

Indirect assumptions can only be identified by a thorough comprehension of the statement in question. This is because erroneous interpretation can lead to the selection of a potentially incorrect solution. Consider this example:

Statement :The best way to achieve success is to be optimistic about anything that comes your way.

Assumptions −

1. Rather than hating yourself if you perform poorly on an exam, you should identify your mistakes and work diligently on them.
2. Whatever will occur rests solely on your good fortune. You play no role in the situation.

Answer − Option I

Explanation: If you redirect all of your outcomes towards luck, your actions will not be difficult, which is not an example of living an optimistic lifestyle. Working on your weak points so that you do not repeat them on your next exam is the ideal strategy to live a great life.

Statement and Assumptions MCQ

Directions to Solve

Each of the following questions contains a statement followed by two assumptions labelled I and II. You must evaluate the statement and the assumptions listed below and determine which assumption is implicit in the statement.

Give response

(A) If only assumption I is implicit

(B) If only assumption II is implicit

(C) If either I or II is implicit

(D) If both I and II aren’t implicit

(E) If both I and II are implicit.

1.Statement: “You are hereby appointed as a programmer with a one-year probationary period, and your performance will be evaluated at the conclusion of the probationary period.” – A line in an appointment letter.

Assumptions:

The performance of an individual is typically unknown at the moment an offer of employment is extended.

Typically, an individual attempts to demonstrate his worth throughout the probationary phase.

1. Only speculation I am implied
2. Only the second assumption is implicit
3. Either I or II must be assumed
4. Neither I nor II is implicit
5. Both I and II are implicit

Answer: Option E

2.Statement: To promote punctuality in our office, we must give staff with a transportation allowance. – The head of a corporation informs the personnel manager.

Assumptions: Transportation allowance will not promote timeliness.

Consistently, discipline and reward should go side in hand

1. Only speculation I am implied
2. Only the second assumption is implicit
3. Either I or II must be assumed
4. Neither I nor II is implicit
5. Both I and II are implicit

Answer: Option B

Conclusion

Statement is information or a fact connected to any general topic, whereas assumption is the concealed or unsaid portion of a statement that a person assumes before presenting a fact or statement.

The assumption testing of your chosen analysis enables you to determine whether you can accurately draw inferences from your analysis’s results. You can consider assumptions to be the prerequisites you must meet before doing your analysis.