Statement Assumption Questions for Law Entrance Exams

Statement assumption questions are a frequent feature of law entrance exams in India. These questions evaluate your ability to identify underlying assumptions in given statements, a skill crucial for building strong legal arguments. 

In this guide, we will walk you through effective strategies to tackle statement assumption questions and provide examples to illustrate each approach.

1. Grasp the Question Structure

Statement assumption questions generally consist of two parts: a given statement and a set of assumptions. Your task is to determine which assumptions, if any, are required for the given statement to be true. These questions assess your ability to identify implicit information.

2. Understand Assumptions

An assumption is an unstated premise that must be true for the given statement to be valid. In other words, if the assumption is false, the statement’s validity could be compromised. Identifying these hidden premises is the key to solving statement assumption questions.

Example:

Statement: Increased penalties for traffic violations will deter reckless driving.

Assumptions:

People are aware of the increased penalties.

People fear the consequences of reckless driving.

3. Identify Necessary Assumptions

Focus on assumptions that are essential for the given statement to hold true. Look for assumptions that bridge gaps in information, connect ideas and provide necessary context.

Example:

Statement: Strengthening cybersecurity measures will prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data.

Assumptions:

Sensitive data exists and is worth protecting.

Strengthening cybersecurity measures can effectively prevent unauthorised access.

4. Be Mindful of Contrapositives

Sometimes, assumptions might appear in the form of contrapositives, which are statements that negate or reverse the given premise.

Example:

Statement: Only candidates with valid identification can enter the examination hall.

Assumptions:

Candidates without valid identification cannot enter the examination hall.

Candidates with valid identification will be allowed to enter the examination hall.

5. Avoid Extreme Assumptions

While assumptions fill gaps, be cautious of assumptions that are too extreme or go beyond the scope of the statement. Stick to reasonable and relevant assumptions.

Example:

Statement: Implementing stricter pollution controls will lead to a cleaner environment.

Assumptions:

Industries will comply with the stricter pollution controls.

The government will provide financial support for implementing the controls.

6. Evaluate Common Sense

Use common sense to gauge the likelihood of an assumption being true. Consider whether the assumption aligns with real-world logic.

Example:

Statement: Citisens have a civic duty to report crimes they witness.

Assumptions:

Citisens care about the safety of their community.

Citisens are aware of how to report crimes.

7. Compare with the Given Statement

Assess the relationship between the assumptions and the given statement. Do the assumptions make the statement more credible? Do they align with the statement’s context and logic?

Example:

Statement: Introducing mediation in legal disputes can lead to quicker resolutions.

Assumptions:

Parties involved in the disputes are willing to participate in mediation.

Mediators are trained to facilitate productive discussions.

8. Practice with Variations

Familiarise yourself with a variety of assumptions, from subtle to explicit. Practising different styles of assumptions will enhance your ability to spot them during the exam.

Example:

Statement: Increased transparency in government operations can reduce corruption.

Assumptions:

There is corruption within government operations.

Transparency measures are enforceable and effective.