Solving Statement and Assumption Questions

Statement and Assumption questions require you to critically analyze a given statement and determine which of the following assumptions are implicit, meaning they are hidden or taken for granted within the statement itself. An assumption is something that is supposed or believed without proof.

Analyzing the Given Statement and Assumptions

The statement is:

• It is desirable to start writing from 6 years of age.

This statement suggests that age 6 is a good or recommended age to begin the activity of writing. It implies a reason why 6 is considered a suitable starting point.

Now let's look at the assumptions:

1. Fine motor skills are well developed by 6 years of age.
2. Children cannot write before 6 years of age.

Evaluating Assumption 1: Fine Motor Skills Development

Assumption 1 states that fine motor skills are well developed by 6 years of age. Writing is an activity that heavily relies on fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of small muscles, particularly in the hands and fingers. If it is considered desirable to start writing at 6 years old, it is logical to assume that the necessary physical capabilities, such as developed fine motor skills required for holding a pen and forming letters, are present around this age. The desirability of starting writing at 6 is strongly supported by the assumption that the physical readiness (developed fine motor skills) is met by that age. Therefore, this assumption is implicit in the statement.

Evaluating Assumption 2: Writing Before Age 6

Assumption 2 states that children cannot write before 6 years of age. The statement says it is desirable to start from 6 years of age. This means that 6 is recommended as a starting point, perhaps for formal writing instruction or sustained writing. However, it does not necessarily mean that it is impossible for children to do any form of writing, such as scribbling or drawing letter shapes, before the age of 6. The statement focuses on the *start* of writing being desirable at 6, not on the *impossibility* of any writing activity earlier. Thus, assuming children *cannot* write at all before 6 goes beyond what is stated. This assumption is not implicit.

Conclusion on Implicit Assumptions

Based on the analysis:

• Assumption 1 is implicit because the desirability of starting writing at 6 implies the necessary physical readiness (fine motor skills) is present at that age.
• Assumption 2 is not implicit because the statement doesn't claim that writing is impossible before 6, only that starting from 6 is desirable.

Therefore, only assumption 1 is implicit.

Revision Table: Key Learnings

Additional Information: Understanding Assumptions in Reasoning

When tackling statement and assumption questions, remember the following points:

• An assumption is something the speaker or writer believes to be true when making the statement.
• The assumption must be directly related to the statement and should help bridge the gap between the statement and an unstated belief.
• Do not make assumptions based on outside knowledge or common sense unless they are directly supported by the statement.
• The assumption should make the statement more logical or provide a reason for the statement being made.
• Look for words that indicate necessity or impossibility (like 'cannot', 'must', 'only') in the assumptions and compare them carefully to the nuance of the statement (like 'desirable', 'should', 'may').