Statements & Conclusions • Topic 2 of 4

Statement & Assumptions

An assumption is something the speaker takes for granted — without it the statement makes no sense. Test by negation: if denying the assumption breaks the statement, it is assumed. Reject far-fetched or merely possible assumptions.

The negation test

An assumption is an unstated belief the statement relies on. To check it: negate the assumption — if the statement now collapses or becomes pointless, the assumption was implicit.

Statement: "Please switch off your phone during the film." Assumption: "Phones can disturb others." Negate it → "phones cannot disturb" → the request becomes pointless. So it is assumed.

Reject the far-fetched. An assumption must be something genuinely taken for granted — not a possible-but-unnecessary idea, and not a mere restatement of the statement.

✅ Solved examples

1. Statement: 'Please switch off your phone during the film.' Assumption: Phones can disturb others?
The request only makes sense if phones can disturb. Assumed.
2. Statement: 'Buy our soap for soft skin.' Assumption: People want soft skin?
The pitch presumes the desire exists. Assumed.
3. Statement: 'Take an umbrella; it may rain.' Assumption: An umbrella helps against rain?
The advice relies on it. Assumed.
4. Statement: 'The notice is in English.' Assumption: Everyone knows English?
Far-fetched/over-general — not necessarily assumed. Not assumed.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Statement: 'Use the stairs during a fire.' Assumption: Lifts are unsafe in a fire?
Why avoid lifts?
—
—
Assumed
2. Statement: 'Apply before 5 pm.' Assumption: Applications close at 5 pm?
Deadline implied.
—
—
Assumed
3. Statement: 'Our course guarantees success.' Assumption: The course is the only path to success?
Too strong.
—
—
Not assumed
4. Statement: 'Wear a helmet while riding.' Assumption: Helmets improve safety?
Reason behind the rule.
—
—
Assumed
5. Statement: 'Read the manual before use.' Assumption: The manual has useful information?
Else why read it?
—
—
Assumed

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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