In a statement and assumption question, the question starts with a statement followed by a few assumptions based on it. Candidates need to pick the most acceptable and logically correct assumption. The UPSC-CSAT Syllabus includes ‘Statement and assumption’ which is explained here.

Statement and Assumption – Concept

• Most statement and assumption questions begin with a statement and then proceed to two or more assumptions that must be tested.
• The best technique to determine whether or not an assumption is implicit in a statement is to look at the original statement in the question and negate the assumption that is being tested.
• If the assumption being tested is implicit, rejecting it will undermine the original statement's argument.

Statement and Assumption Rules

• Assumption is usually positive and indefinite.
• Some words like all, only, each, any, every, why, these, what, therefore, definitely, but, exist in the assumption that assumption will always be explicit.
• Some words like much, many, some, to large extent, exist in the assumption that assumption will always be implicit
• If any assumption is made about the past or future, it will always be explicit.

Types of Questions

The following types of questions are asked under statement and assumptions:

1. Two Assumptions Based
2. More than two Assumptions Based

Two Assumptions Based

• In this type of question, a statement is given, followed by two assumptions. The candidate must evaluate the given statement and then determine which of the given assumptions is implicit in it.

*For detailed notes on this topic, check this link Two Assumptions Based - Statement and Assumptions

More than Two Assumptions Based

• This type of question is similar to the two assumption-based questions, with the difference that more than three assumptions are given and the candidate must choose the group that is implicit in the context of the given statement.

*For detailed notes on this topic, check this link Three Assumptions Based - Statement and Assumptions

Tips to Solve Questions

Because the topic may appear to be complicated, most candidates will try to avoid or skip over it or the questions on it. However, there are some elements that can assist candidates tounderstand the basicconcept behind the topic and analyse the question and answer quickly.

• Read the statement with the assumption that the assumptions are correct in relation to the statement.
• Don't make the statements too logical. Analyse the facts provided, and make only assumptions based on the information in the statement.
• Common assumptions should always be observed; however, the statement should never be aligned with General Knowledge or other facts.
• If you can't figure out the answer, use the elimination approach. When you read the statement and then the assumptions in the alternatives, you'll find that a few of them will most definitely not follow. It may be more convenient to eliminate them and then choose from fewer possibilities.
• One thing to keep in mind is that the assumption is something that the author considers to be true, so keep that in mind while you choose the correct answer. If any alternative contradicts the assertion, the assumption will be invalidated.

FAQs

Q1: What is a statement and assumption question in CSAT?

Q2: How do you approach solving statement and assumption questions?

Q3: What is the difference between a valid and invalid assumption?

Q4: Why are statement and assumption questions important in CSAT?

Q5: Can assumptions be negative or contradictory to the statement?

MCQs

1. Given Statement: "The government has announced a new tax policy to increase tax collection."
   Assumption: The government believes that increased taxes will lead to better revenue collection.

A) Assumption is implicit

B) Assumption is not implicit

C) Assumption is partially implicit

D) Cannot be determined

2. Given Statement: "Doctors must ensure that patients follow the prescribed treatment."
   Assumption: Patients may not always follow their prescribed treatment.

A) Assumption is implicit

B) Assumption is not implicit

C) Assumption contradicts the statement

D) None of the above

3. Given Statement: "Children should not be allowed to play with sharp objects."
   Assumption: Sharp objects can be dangerous for children.

A) Assumption is implicit

B) Assumption is not implicit

C) The statement does not imply anything

D) Cannot be determined

4. Given Statement: "The school decided to hold extra classes for students who need academic support."
   Assumption: Some students require additional academic assistance.

A) Assumption is implicit

B) Assumption is not implicit

C) Assumption is irrelevant

D) None of the above

5. Given Statement: "The company has introduced flexible working hours to improve productivity."
   Assumption: Flexible working hours can have an impact on employee productivity.

A) Assumption is implicit

B) Assumption is not implicit

C) Assumption contradicts the statement

D) Cannot be determined

Previous Year Questions on Statement and Assumption

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "The city council has decided to install more streetlights to reduce accidents."

Assumption: Streetlights can help prevent accidents.
Answer: The assumption is implicit because the decision to install more streetlights suggests a belief that better lighting will reduce accidents. This is a reasonable inference based on common safety practices, making the assumption logically connected to the statement.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "Schools should introduce a compulsory sports period to improve student health." 

Assumption: Physical activity can contribute to better health among students.
Answer: The assumption is implicit, as the statement implies that introducing sports will positively impact student health. The assumption is necessary for the statement's logic to hold, highlighting its role in achieving the intended outcome.