SBI PO Prelims Exam 2015: Concept and Sample Questions: Statement and Assumptions

The banking team of jagranjosh.com has come up with concept and sample questions for Statement and Assumptions. The concept provided by us will help you to understand the topic. The sample questions offered by us are framed by keeping in view need of the question paper.

In this type of questions, one statement which is followed by two or more assumptions is given. The candidate has to decide which of the assumptions is/are implicit in the given statement. Before answering the questions, it is necessary to know about the meaning of assumption. An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted.

Some Important Tips

To solve the questions easily which are related to statement and assumptions some tips are given below-

1. Assumption is based on the statement. Don't go far from the statement.
2. The meaning of assumption is not opposite to the meaning of statement.
3. Advice is considered because the adviser gives you advice only when you take his/her 
   advice.
4. Generally negative information is considered.
5. Some words like 'only', 'one and only' etc. added to assumption to make it 'particularise' 
   then you should never consider that assumption.
6. If in assumption something is told about the past or future then such assumptions are not 
   considered.
7. If an assumption is restatement of the statement then such assumption is not considered.

Example 1.

Statement- Go by aeroplane to reach Aurangabad from Mumbai quickly.

Assumptions- I. Aurangabad and Mumbai are connected by aeroplane service.

II. There is no other means of going from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

Answer with Explanation- As in the statement it is given that reaching to Aurangabad from 
Mumbai quickly one should go by aeroplane, it means, both the cities Mumbai and Aurangabad 
must be connected by aeroplane service. Hence, assumption I is implicit. The word 'quickly' 
indicates that there are other means also of going from Mumbai to Aurangabad but they take longer than by aeroplane. Hence, assumption II is not implicit.

Example 2.

Statement-"If you want to get the best treatment for coronary diseases you must approach hospitaI2"-A tells B.

Assumptions- I. B may be heart patient.

II. B generally listens to A.

III. A may have enough information about the hospital facilities.

Answer with Explanation - B must be the heart patient so A is telling him about the hospital. 
B believes fully on A, that is why A is telling to B. Thirdly A must have enough information about 
the hospital, so he is advising to B about that hospital. Hence, all the three assumptions are 
implicit.

ANTONYMS

Each sentences below consist of a word or a phrase which is bold. It is followed by four words or phrases. Select the word or pharse which is closes to the OPPOSITE in meaning of the bold word or phrase.
1. History abounds in instances of courage.
A. shines
B. lacks
C. suffices
D. fails
Ans - B

2. The inhabitants of the island were barbarians.
A. civilized
B. cruel
C. uncivilized
D. bad
Ans - A

3. The members thought that the task was feasible.
A. impractical
B. impossible
C. difficult
D. impracticable
Ans - A

4. crestfallen he returned as he had never faced such humiliation in the whole of his life.
A. vainglorious
B. indignant
C. triumphant
D. disturbed
Ans - C

5. Feasibility of the project is under study.
A. unsuitability
B. cheapness
C. impropriety
D. impracticability
Ans - D

6. The incessant noise of the boring machine made it difficult for us to got to sleep at night.
A. intermittent
B. harsh
C. soft
D. constant
Ans - A

7. Unsettled conditions in the land led to exodus of hundreds of its citizens.
A. invasion
B. entry
C. immigration
D. expulsion
Ans - B

8. Many people try to resist reforms in the society.
A. fight
B. accept
C. welcome
D. repel
Ans - C 

9. Because of the economy drive, they very unwillingly surrendered some superfluous posts.
A. important
B. relevant
C. significant
D. essential
Ans - B 

10. The young leader was reluctant to shoulder the responsibilities of ministerial office.
A. wanting
B. willing
C. anxious
D. eager
Ans -  B

STATEMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Statement: Many historians have done more harm than good by distorting truth.
Assumptions: I. People believe what is reported by the historians.
II. Historians are seldom expected to depict the truth.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - A

2. Statement: "As there is a great demand, every person seeking tickets of the programme will be given only five tickets."
Assumptions: I. The organizers are not keen on selling the tickets.
II. No one is interested in getting more than five tickets.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - D

3. Statement: "Computer education should start at schools itself."
Assumptions: I. Learning computers is easy.
II. Computer education fetches jobs easily.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - A

4. Statement: If he is intelligent, he will pass the examination.
Assumptions: I. To pass, he must be intelligent.
II. He will pass the examination.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E Both I and II are implicit
Ans - A

5. Statement: Today I must satisfy myself only by looking at a pink headed duck in an encyclopaedia.
Assumptions: I. Pink headed ducks are as good as extinct now.
II. People refer to encyclopaedia to know only about things which do not exist now.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - A

6. Statement: The organization should promote employees on the basis of merit alone and not on the basis of length of service or seniority.
Assumptions: I. Length of service or seniority does not alone reflect merit of an employee.
II. It is possible to determine and measure merit of an employee.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - E

7. Statement: "But out of A, B, C and D products, you buy B which alone is based on the international technology."- A shopkeeper tells a customer.
Assumptions: I. The customers normally accept the recommendation of the shopkeeper.
II. Use of international technology is supposed to ensure better quality standards.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - E

8. Statement: "If you want to give any advertisement, give it in the newspaper X." - A tells B.
Assumptions: I. B wants to publicise his products.
II. Newspaper X has a wide circulation.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - B

9. Statement: Kartik left for Delhi on Tuesday by train to attend a function to be held on Friday at his uncle's house in Delhi.
Assumptions: I. Kartik may reach Delhi on Wednesday.
II. Kartik may reach Delhi before Friday.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - B

10. Statement: "Avon Cycles - Fast, easy to ride, impressive, reliable, crafted and up-to-date automation." - An advertisement.
Assumptions: I. There is no other cycle with any of these features.
II. People do not bother about the cost.
A. Only assumption I is implicit
B. Only assumption II is implicit
C. Either I or II is implicit
D. Neither I nor II is implicit
E. Both I and II are implicit
Ans - D

Reading Comprehension (I)

Reading Comprehension (I)

Dear Students,

Reading comprehension is the most important component of your English language section when in banking and other such competitive examinations. Being able to solve these questions accurately within the stipulated time limit has a direct bearing on your ability to get selected. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Meaning of Comprehension

2. Why is Comprehension included in the exams

3. Types of Questions asked

4. Tips for faster reading 

5. Strategy for the exams

Meaning of Comprehension:

The literal meaning of the word  "Comprehension" is the ability to understand something in its widest context.

The ability to comprehend is in turn again dependent upon the ability of a person to read faster, Skim for relevant information and the presence of a good vocabulary. Thus it is essential that you focus upon

(a) Faster Reading 

(b) Improving your vocabulary

(c) Developing an approach for tackling passages.

• सवाल यह है कि, क्या क्या हिंदी माध्यम से पढ़े हुए अअ भ्यर्थियों के पास कोई  विकल्प नहीं है ।  क्या कोई भी ऐसा तरीका नहीं है जो उनमे यह विश्वास जग पाये कि  Passage को हल किया जा सकता है। 
• आप निराश ना हों इस पोस्ट को पूरा पढ़ें और समझने का प्रयास करें शीघ्र ही इसका अनुवाद आपको पोस्ट किया जायेगा। 
• सभी टीचर्स से भी निवेदन है कि, हिंदी मध्यम स्टूडेंट्स को भी encourage करें।
• यह बिलकुल पॉसिबल है। मैं आपको कई सफल स्टूडेंट्स के एक्साम्पल्स दे सकता हूँ, जो इस तरीके को अपना कर कामयाब हुए। 
• एक और बात यह सिर्फ एक तरीका है , और मैं मानता हो की आपका या किसी और का तरीका बेहतर हो सकता है।

Areas for selection of passages:

While selecting a passage for the purpose of examination, an examiner has several areas to choose a topic and frame a questions from. The choice of area and topic depends upon the need of the examination and level of competition involved.

• For clerical grade examinations the topics are chosen from relatively simpler topics involving simple stories involving only a few number of characters and without complications. In fact the pattern of questions is pretty straight forward, the only advantage that one has is the ability to read fast. 

• For Probationary officer and M.T. grade exams along with higher competitive examinations viz. the RBI, the U.P.S.C.or the Management level examinations the choice of topics ranges over a wide range of topics:

  1. Banking and financial awareness

  2. Socio - economic Issues

  3. Issues of current national and International importance

  यहाँ पर हिंदी माध्यम अभ्यर्थियों  को बताना चाहूंगा कि, भले  ही आपको यह लगे कि विषय कठिन है, फिर भी आप कोशिश जारी रखें।  अगर विषय बहुत कठिन है तो सबके लिए कठिन होता है। 

  कई बार पैसेज इतना  बड़ा होता है कि, इंग्लिश medium students भी चकरा जाते  हैं। ऐसा बहुत बार देखा है मैंने कि स्कोर इतना कम होता है कि सिर्फ qualify कर लेने भर से इंग्लिश में मेरिट में जग़ह मिल जाती है।

Tips for faster reading:

Before I begin, let me state at the very outset that there is no alternative to reading, One improves as one goes along. You simply cannot run away from reading. This is a habit that one needs to constantly develop and improvise throughout one's life. 

How fast can one be ? 

Your speed is not bound by anything and it is not constant, If you know the purpose of your reading, then you can accelerate your reading much beyond your known capabilities. In most cases trained readers can attain speed levels of 800 to 1200 words.  

Note : Reading speed varies according to the purpose of reading and the nature of  topic chosen. 

Guidelines :

1. Do not Commit yourself to the passage immediately. Make acursory glance.

2. Skimming for relevant information while observing the passage.This involves moving fast without bothering to comprehend the lines until one gets a comfortable idea of the passage.

3. Before looking out for answers, read the questions first and then look for the lines    in the passage where you can hunt for the relevant answers. 

4. Make a judicious choice of questions and attempt them in an order that saves time. (we will discuss it in the subsequent lines)

5. Learn to vary your speed according to the level of complexity of the passage and the presence of information relevant to the needs of the questions asked. 

5. Note : Taking the first step towards practicing is the most important, remember you will improve as you progress.  

 The factors that reduce reading speed:

 Reading speed is greatly reduced if one does not take care of some crucial points while reading:

1. Absence of concentration is the biggest hurdle to faster reading. If your not focused enough, trust me it will be of no use. learn to focus hard on the text. Do not allow your brain to waiver or stray to other thoughts. 

2. Do not read more than once, trust your abilities to comprehend the topic and believe me it will show in the form of faster reading. I suggest while attempting your speed tests try to do this. I assure you that you will improve.

3. While traversing through a line reduce your eye fixation points and and increase the stretch of your eye scan. This is will save time. I suggest while reading try reducing your eye fixation to a bare two fixations per line.

Question Categories:

The questions that are asked in the examination can vary widely. But if a person has an idea of the question types, he can formulate an effective time saving strategy.

1. Scope based questions : Such questions require a candidate to identify the dominant and latent theme of the passage. The following question tags may be used while framing such questions: 

(a) What does the topic relate to ? 

(b) what is the main idea / theme / purpose / perspective etc. 

Mostly such questions are not placed at any specific place in the passage, these questions require a careful understanding of the passage and hence should not be attempted in the beginning. 

2. Questions based on details : These questions relate to various claims made and various information provided in the passage. These questions are simply of the pick and match types. 

(a) which of the following is true in context of the passage ? 

3. Inference based questions : Such questions require the application of the human mind and reasoning. This might a little deeper understanding. These questions may be easily identified by the following question tags :

(a) what is inferred by a particular line in the passage ? 

(b) What does the author imply or have in mind when he states the following ? 

4. Structure based questions: Such questions relate to the basic structure of the passage and its relation to its various components : 

(a) What is the function of a particular paragraph ? 

(b)  How is the third paragraph related to the first in the passage ? 

(c) How does the highlighted paragraph relate to the paragraph in a specific context ? 

Kinds of Sentences – English Study Material & Notes

Upon reading the following group of words, you would understand some meaning conveyed:-

• An aeroplane flies in the sky.
• The Sun rises in the East.
• Honesty is the best policy.
• 
  

from the above, we can conclude that a group of words which makes complete meaning is called a sentence.

The formation of sentence causes difference in meaning. Sentences are classified on basis of their uses in English language. To introduce English grammar, it is essential to understand the usefulness of sentences along with their kinds. The types of sentences are described in brief in the following part.

Kinds of sentences:

Let us first discuss the purpose served by different sentences. A sentence is used for following purposes.

1. to make a statement
2. To ask a question.
3. To give a command, request, entreaty or wish
4. Express some strong or sudden feeling

The above mentioned purpose of sentences point towards four distinct types of functions performed by sentences. Therefore, sentences can be of following four types:

1. Declarative / Assertive Sentence: That makes statement or assertion.

For instance,

• Radha is a good student.
• Ram is going to New York.
• Shahrukh plays cricket.
• 
  

2. Interrogative Sentence: these are sentences that asks a question.

For instance,

• Where do you live?
• What did she say?
• Where are the kids?
• 
  

3. Imperative Sentence:  these are sentences that expresses a command or an entreaty.

For instance,

• Mind your own business.
• Please let me dance.
• Be quiet.

4. Exclamatory sentence:  these are sentences that expresses strong feeling.

For instance,

• What a fool you are!
• How hot the day is!
• May God help us!

General Rules of making sentences:

• Every sentence begins with a Capital letter.
• A full stop is placed at the end of every imperative or declarative sentence.
• A question mark is placed at the end of every Interrogative Sentence.
• An Exclamation mark is placed at the end of Exclamatory sentence.
• 
  
• 
  

SUBJECT AND PREDICATE:

Every sentence is composed of two parts. The part of a sentence which talk about the person or the thing about which we are speaking is known as the Subject.

And the part of sentence that talks about the Subject is known as Predicate.

Therefore, a sentence has the following two things

1. a name or some person or thing (subject)
2. something about that person or thing (predicate)
3. 
   

Usually the subject of the sentence comes first followed by the predicate

PHRASE AND CLAUSE:

Phrase is that part of sentence which makes sense, but not complete sense. These are a group of words. For instance,

• It was a sunrise of great beauty.
• The Sun rises in the east.
• 
  

Here, in first example, the highlighted part does convey a meaning but does not makes complete sense. They are phrases.

Clause is that group of words that forms a part of sentence, while containing a subject and a predicate. 

For instance,

• She has a chain which is made of Silver.
• People who pay their debts are trustworthy.
• 
  

In the above example, there is a subject in the highlighted part along with a predicate. Therefore, they are considered a clause.