Question

Instruction: Identify the assumptions that must hold for the statement to be valid, then choose the correct option.

Statement: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier that prevents the monsoon winds from reaching the northern plains, thereby creating a dry region in the rain shadow area.

Assumptions:

1. The Himalayas prevent monsoon winds from reaching certain areas.

Il. The rain shadow effect leads to dry conditions in specific regions.

III. Monsoon winds are the sole cause of rainfall in the northern plains.

• A. Only I and Il are implicit
• B. Only Il and Ill are implicit
• C. Only I is implicit
• D. All assumptions are implicit

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only I and Il are implicit

Let's examine the statement:

"The Himalayas act as a natural barrier that prevents the monsoon winds from reaching the northern plains, thereby creating a dry region in the rain shadow area."

Assumption I:

"The Himalayas prevent monsoon winds from reaching certain areas."

Must hold.
This is directly embedded in the statement. The claim that the Himalayas act as a barrier depends on this assumption.

Assumption II:

"The rain shadow effect leads to dry conditions in specific regions."

Must hold.
The statement concludes that a dry region is created in the rain shadow area, which requires the assumption that rain shadow areas are dry.

Assumption III:

"Monsoon winds are the sole cause of rainfall in the northern plains."

Does not have to hold.
The statement does not claim that monsoon winds are the only source of rainfall. Other sources could exist.

Answer:

Only Assumptions I and II follow.