Overview: Assumptions | Logical Reasoning for CLAT PDF Download

Statement & Assumption – Concept 

• In a statement and assumption question, a statement is given in the question followed by a few assumptions made on the basis of them. Candidates need to pick the assumption which most appropriately and logically is correct. 
• One of the most important things to know about assumptions is that when a statement is given, the author of the statement believes the assumption to be true and this same approach must be used by candidates while answering the questions based on this topic. 
• Questions based on statement and assumption can either help you score more if answered logically or else result in losing marks if candidates choose to guess in such questions. Thus, more and more questions must be solved so as to ensure that you are able to understand what is the correct approach to such questions. 

To Solve Statement & Assumption Questions 

• Read the statement with an approach that the assumptions would be true with regard to the statement. 
• Do not go too logical with the statements. Analyse the information given and the assumption must only be made based on the information in the statement. Do not overcomplicate it. 
• Common assumptions can always be followed but other than that do not align the statement with General Knowledge or other facts. 
• Use the elimination method if you are unable to apprehend the answer. Read the statement and then the assumptions given in the options, you shall notice that a few of them will most definitely not follow. Eliminate them and then choosing from lesser options may prove to be more convenient. 
• One thing to make a note of is that the assumption is something which the Author believes to be true so while choosing the correct option, keep this thought in mind as well. If any option contradicts the statement, then that assumption will not follow.

Types of Assumptions

Generally, we can face two types of assumptions mostly. They can be categorized as:

• Direct assumptions
• Indirect assumptions

1. Direct Assumptions: In this case, from the statement itself, we can assume the assumptions very easily. Just a careful reading of the statement is enough to solve your problem. Let’s take an example to understand it better.
Statement − An apple a day, keeps a doctor away.
Assumption I - Apple is good for health.
Assumption II - Apple is not good for health.
(a) Only assumption I is practical.
(b) Only assumption II is practical.
(c) Either assumption I or II is practical.
(d) Neither assumption I nor II is practical.
(e) Both the assumptions are practical.
Ansr: (a)
If consuming an apple everyday will eradicate the need of doctor, then off course we can assume that it is good for health. Hence; assumption I is practical but II is not.

2. Indirect Assumptions: Indirect assumptions can only be traced out by properly understanding the meaning of the given
statement. This is because wrong interpretation can lead to choice of possibly wrong option.
Statement − The only possible way of getting success is to treat everything that comes on your way positively.
Assumptions I - If you score low marks in any exam, instead of cursing yourself, you should find the faults and just work upon them hard.
Assumption II - Whatever will happen to you, all depends upon your luck. You have no role to play in it.
(a) Only assumption I is practical.
(b) Only assumption II is practical.
(c) Either assumption I or II is practical.
(d) Neither assumption I nor II is practical.
(e) Both the assumptions are practical.
Ans: (a)
If you will redirect all your results towards you luck, then your action will not be hard, which is not an example of leading optimistic life. Instead working upon your weak points, so that, not to repeat them in the next exam is a perfect way of dealing your life positively.