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Problem–Solution Type Assumptions

Introduction

Many reasoning questions present a problem followed by a proposed solution or suggestion. These are called Problem-Solution type assumptions. The key task is to find what the speaker or writer assumes about both the existence of the problem and the effectiveness of the solution.

This pattern is essential because it teaches you how to detect cause-effect reasoning and understand why a solution is considered relevant or valid.

Pattern: Problem–Solution Type Assumptions

Pattern

The key idea is: when a solution is proposed, it assumes (a) a problem exists, and (b) the proposed action will help solve it.

Every such statement implies two hidden beliefs - the presence of a problem and confidence in the recommended remedy.

Step-by-Step Example

Question

Statement: “Install CCTV cameras to reduce thefts in the locality.”

Which of the following assumptions is/are implicit?
A. Thefts are occurring in the locality.
B. CCTV cameras help in preventing or detecting thefts.
C. People feel unsafe in the area.
D. Both A and B.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the problem

    The statement mentions thefts - this implies the existence of a problem that needs action.

  2. Step 2: Identify the proposed solution

    The solution is to install CCTV cameras, implying confidence in its usefulness.

  3. Step 3: Evaluate assumptions

    • Option A: Theft problem exists → Implicit.
    • Option B: CCTV helps prevent theft → Implicit.
    • Option C: People feel unsafe → May be true, but not essential to the logic.

  4. Final Answer:

    Both A and B are implicit. → Option D

  5. Quick Check:

    If thefts didn’t exist or CCTV didn’t help, the advice would be meaningless ✅

Quick Variations

1. Policy Measures: “Introduce strict laws to curb pollution.” → assumes pollution exists and laws can help.

2. Health Suggestions: “Eat less sugar to control diabetes.” → assumes diabetes is a problem and diet affects it.

3. Social Actions: “Start awareness campaigns to reduce accidents.” → assumes lack of awareness causes accidents.

Trick to Always Use

  • Step 1 → Identify the problem implied in the statement.
  • Step 2 → Find the proposed solution or action suggested.
  • Step 3 → Check if the statement assumes (a) problem exists and (b) solution is effective.

Summary

Summary

  • Every solution implies that a problem exists.
  • The statement assumes the proposed action will help solve the problem.
  • Additional assumptions (like emotional or moral ones) may appear but are secondary.
  • Always verify whether removing either assumption breaks the logic of the statement.

Example to remember:
Statement: “Ban single-use plastic to reduce pollution.” → Implicit: Plastic causes pollution and banning it will help control it.

Practice

(1/5)
1. Statement: "Launch a public awareness campaign to reduce road accidents."<br>Assumptions:<br>1️⃣ Lack of awareness contributes to road accidents.<br>2️⃣ Public campaigns can help people follow traffic rules.<br>Which assumption(s) is/are implicit?
easy
A. Both 1 and 2
B. Only 1
C. Only 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the problem

    The statement points to road accidents and proposes awareness campaigns as a remedy.

  2. Step 2: Identify the solution’s premise

    The solution presumes lack of awareness contributes to accidents and that campaigns can change behaviour.

  3. Final Answer:

    Both 1 and 2 are implicit. → Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    If accidents were unrelated to awareness or campaigns could not change behaviour, the proposal would be pointless ✅
Hint: For problem-solution statements, check both the existence of the problem and the effectiveness of the remedy.
Common Mistakes: Accepting only one side (problem or solution) without testing the other.
2. Statement: "Provide free midday meals to improve school attendance."<br>Assumptions:<br>1️⃣ Some students do not attend school regularly.<br>2️⃣ Providing food will encourage more students to attend.<br>Which assumption(s) is/are implicit?
easy
A. Only 1
B. Both 1 and 2
C. Only 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the problem

    The statement targets low school attendance and proposes free meals as a remedy.

  2. Step 2: Examine the assumptions

    The proposal assumes that absenteeism exists (1) and that providing meals will motivate attendance (2).

  3. Final Answer:

    Both 1 and 2 are implicit. → Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    If attendance were already high or meals didn’t affect attendance, the proposal would be ineffective ✅
Hint: In incentive-based solutions, test both the need and the incentive’s efficacy.
Common Mistakes: Assuming incentives work without confirming the underlying cause of the problem.
3. Statement: "Increase police patrolling to prevent night-time thefts."<br>Assumptions:<br>1️⃣ Thefts usually occur during the night.<br>2️⃣ More police presence can deter thieves.<br>Which assumption(s) is/are implicit?
easy
A. Both 1 and 2
B. Only 1
C. Only 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the targeted issue

    The statement focuses on thefts occurring at night and proposes patrols as a remedy.

  2. Step 2: Evaluate assumptions

    It assumes night-time is a common period for thefts (1) and that visible policing deters criminal activity (2).

  3. Final Answer:

    Both 1 and 2 are implicit. → Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    If thefts didn’t concentrate at night or patrols had no deterrent effect, the measure would not work ✅
Hint: Crime-prevention measures assume both the pattern of crime and effectiveness of deterrence.
Common Mistakes: Overlooking the temporal element tied to the proposed solution.
4. Statement: "Ban smoking in public places to protect non-smokers."<br>Assumptions:<br>1️⃣ Smoking in public affects non-smokers’ health.<br>2️⃣ Banning public smoking will reduce passive smoking risks.<br>Which assumption(s) is/are implicit?
medium
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution

  1. Step 1: Recognize the issue

    The statement aims to protect non-smokers from harm caused by others’ smoking.

  2. Step 2: Identify the implied links

    It assumes second-hand smoke harms non-smokers (1) and that banning public smoking will reduce exposure (2).

  3. Final Answer:

    Both 1 and 2 are implicit. → Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    If passive smoking posed no risk or bans had no effect, the measure would be unjustified ✅
Hint: Regulatory solutions typically assume both harm exists and regulation will reduce it.
Common Mistakes: Ignoring either the harm or the effectiveness of the regulation.
5. Statement: "Organize skill development workshops to reduce unemployment among youth."<br>Assumptions:<br>1️⃣ Many youths are unemployed due to lack of skills.<br>2️⃣ Skill development can help them get jobs.<br>Which assumption(s) is/are implicit?
medium
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Neither 1 nor 2
D. Both 1 and 2

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the root problem

    The statement links youth unemployment to a proposed training solution.

  2. Step 2: Test the assumptions

    It presumes that lack of relevant skills contributes to unemployment (1) and that skill-building will improve employability (2).

  3. Final Answer:

    Both 1 and 2 are implicit. → Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    If unemployment were unrelated to skills or training didn’t help, workshops wouldn’t address the problem ✅
Hint: Match the proposed remedy to the identified root cause to verify assumptions.
Common Mistakes: Assuming any single cause without confirming the link to the remedy.

Mock Test

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