Analyzing Statement and Assumptions in Logical Reasoning

This question requires us to analyze a given statement and determine which of the subsequent assumptions can be logically drawn from it. We must consider the statement true, regardless of common knowledge.

Understanding the Statement on Trainee Accountant Appointment

The statement is an extract from an appointment letter for a trainee accountant. It explicitly states:

• The appointment is initially on a temporary basis.
• The employment status will automatically convert to permanent.
• The condition for conversion to permanent status is the submission of the pass result of the M.Com final exam.

This statement sets a clear condition for the trainee accountant to become permanent.

Evaluating Assumption I: M Com Final Exam & Accountant Capability

Assumption I states: “M Com final exam is a reasonable proof of an accountant's capability.”

• The statement links passing the M.Com final exam directly to gaining permanent employment as an accountant.
• The employer is making the M.Com pass result the sole criterion for upgrading the trainee accountant's status to permanent.
• This action by the employer implies that they consider passing this specific exam as sufficient evidence of the skills and knowledge required for a permanent accountant role.
• Therefore, the employer views the M.Com final exam result as a valid indicator or proof of an accountant's capability, at least for this position.

Based on the employer's condition for permanent status, this assumption is implicit in the statement.

Evaluating Assumption II: All Trainees on Temporary Basis

Assumption II states: “All trainees are appointed on temporary basis.”

• The statement specifically mentions the appointment of "You" as a trainee accountant on a temporary basis.
• It provides information only about this particular trainee's appointment status.
• The statement gives no information about the appointment status of other trainees, if any, within the same organization or elsewhere.
• We cannot generalize from one specific instance mentioned in the statement to make a conclusion about all trainees.
• It is possible that other trainees are appointed on a permanent basis from the start, or under different terms and conditions not mentioned here.

Since the statement provides no information about the appointment status of trainees other than the one addressed, this assumption cannot be definitely drawn from the statement. It is not implicit.

Conclusion on Implicit Assumptions

Based on the analysis:

• Assumption I is implicit because the statement uses the M.Com pass result as the condition for permanent employment, implying it is considered proof of capability.
• Assumption II is not implicit because the statement only details one specific trainee's appointment and does not provide information about all trainees.

Therefore, only assumption I is implicit in the given statement.

Revision Table: Statement and Assumption Analysis

Additional Information on Logical Reasoning Questions

Statement and Assumption questions test your ability to identify underlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted when making a statement. Key points to remember:

• Focus only on the information given in the statement. Do not use outside knowledge or common sense unless specifically instructed.
• An assumption is something the speaker or writer believes to be true when making the statement.
• Test each assumption by asking: "Does the statement make sense if this assumption is NOT true?" If the statement falls apart without the assumption, then the assumption is implicit.
• Look for keywords in the statement (like "automatically converted on submission") that indicate the basis for the action described.
• Be careful not to confuse assumptions with conclusions, inferences, or implications that go beyond what is strictly necessary for the statement to be made.

Practicing various types of statement and assumption questions helps in understanding the subtle differences and improving analytical skills.