How to Solve Statements and Assumption Related Problems

The ‘statement and assumption’ topic is repeated in many competitive exams and is an important part of the competitive/government exam syllabus. The main motive of such questions is to test the decision-making ability of the candidate.

In a statement and assumption question, a statement is given in the question having some assumptions. While attempting these types of questions candidates must choose the most appropriate assumption to score good marks and just guessing the question may lead to no marks. Thus it becomes important to practice as many questions to understand the concept of these questions.

Tips To Solve Statement and assumption problems

The topic may seem difficult, and most candidates try to skip or avoid this topic or questions from this topic, but below given are some certain rules that can help you in solving the question easily.

1. General assumptions can always be followed, but the statement should not correlate with general knowledge or other facts.
2. One thing to consider is that the assumption is something that the author believes is true. Therefore, keep this idea in mind while choosing the right option. If the option conflicts with the statement, the assumption might not be taken into consideration.
3. Don’t make the statement too logical. The assumptions should only be based on the information given in the statement. Don’t make it too complicated.
4. Read the statement with the approach that the assumptions about the statement are correct.
5. If you don’t know the answer, use the exclusion method. Read the statements and assumptions. It turns out that some of them don’t obey. Eliminate them and then choose from lesser options.

Easy methods to solve two statements and assumptions

Here are some easy tips for you to solve statement and assumption problems in a fast and simple way.

1. Assumption is always ambiguous and inherently encouraging.
2. If there are some words like, only, all, why, what, these, but, definitely, then the assumption is always explicit or false.
3. If there are notices, complaints, and advertising messages, that assumption is always true or implied.
4. If words like a recommendation, an instruction, or a request are used in the assumption then the assumption is always true or implied.
5. When the assumption is related to social welfare or government policy, then that assumption is always true or implied.
6. When an assumption is related to the past and the future, it is always false.
7. If the words used are like many, some, much, and most, then that assumption will always be of true or implicit nature.

Solved examples of statements and assumptions

Ques 1.

Statement: The recommended age for a child to attend school is 5 years. 

The assumption I: At this age, the child is familiar with adaptability. 

Assumption II: After this age, the child will not enjoy going to school.

Assumption III: Schools do not take admission of children who are more than 5 years old.

1. Assumption I is true.
2. Both Assumptions I & III are true.
3. Assumptions I &II are implicit.
4. None of the Above

Answer: 1.) Only Assumption I is true

Reason: The statement states that the recommended age for children to enter school is 5 years. The only reasonable assumption that this statement makes is that children are very likely to be more adaptable to school at this young age.

Ques 2.

Statement: A person is to be hired as a programmer with a one-year trial period and his achievements will be reviewed at the end of the confirmation period. 

The assumption I) Individual performance is generally unknown at the time of the offer for employment.

Assumption II) Usually, during the trial period, individuals try to prove their worth.

1. Assumption I is true.
2. Assumption II is true.
3. Either I or II is true.
4. Both I and II are true.

Answer: D) Both I and II are true.

Reason: According to the statement, individual performance should be tested over time. So the assumption is true. The statement also states that the value of the person must be confirmed (during the trial period) before confirmation. Therefore, assumption II is also true.

Ques. 3

Statement: Everyone loves to read spiritual books.

Assumptions:   

(A) Spiritual books are the only reading books. (B) Not a single person loves reading any other books.

1. Assumption A is correct
2. Assumption B is correct
3. Either A or B 
4. Neither A nor B 
5. Both A and B are correct

Answer: D) Neither A nor B

Reason: After analysing the assumptions neither (A) nor (B) can be reasonably drawn from the given statement. Thus, the correct answer will be D.

Conclusion

After having immense knowledge about statements and assumptions we can conclude that there are a few tips and tricks which can be very beneficial in solving complex statements and assumptions problems. Wisely following up on the tips and tricks can derive the desired result and the examples shown above show how one needs to analyse the problem while solving it.