A statement is given, followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. Decide which of the assumptions is/are implicit in the statement.
Statement: A notice in an office building reads: “During the fire drill on Friday, use the stairs; do not use the lifts.”
Assumptions:
I. The people in the building will read the notice and act on it.
II. The building has stairs as well as lifts.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Both I and II are implicit
An assumption is implicit when the statement takes it for granted: the statement would not make sense without it.
I. The people in the building will read the notice and act on it. Implicit. A notice is put up only because it is expected to be read and followed; otherwise it would be pointless.
II. The building has stairs as well as lifts. Implicit. The notice tells people to use the stairs and not the lifts; this instruction makes sense only if the building has both.