From the alternatives, choose the one which correctly classifies the four…
2021
From the alternatives, choose the one which correctly classifies the four sentences as a:
F (Fact): If it relates to a known matter of direct observation, or an existing reality or something known to be true.
J (Judgment): If it is an opinion or estimate or anticipation of common sense or intention.
I (Inference): If it is a logical conclusion or deduction about something, based on the knowledge of facts.
A. Unless the banks agree to a deferment of the interest, we cannot show profits this year.
B. This would not have happened had we adopted a stricter credit scheme.
C. The revenues so far cover only the cost and salaries.
D. Let us learn a lesson: we cannot make profits without complete control over credit
- A.
IIJF
- B.
IJFI
- C.
FJIF
- D.
FJFI
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept. Each statement is sorted by its epistemic basis, not its topic. A Fact reports something directly observed or already established as true. A Judgment voices an opinion, estimate, or speculation (often counterfactual or about what "should" be). An Inference is a conclusion logically deduced from facts — typically conditional or "therefore"-shaped. The test for any sentence: ask whether it merely records reality (Fact), expresses a personal evaluation (Judgment), or derives a new conclusion by reasoning (Inference).
Applying the rule to each sentence:
“Unless the banks agree to a deferment of the interest, we cannot show profits this year.” This is a conditional deduction — it reasons from a known condition (interest burden) to a logical consequence (no profits unless deferred). Drawing a conclusion from facts makes it an Inference (I).
“This would not have happened had we adopted a stricter credit scheme.” A counterfactual — a speculative opinion about an alternate past that was never observed. Speculation/evaluation makes it a Judgment (J).
“The revenues so far cover only the cost and salaries.” A plain report of the present financial reality, directly observable from the accounts. A recorded reality is a Fact (F).
“Let us learn a lesson: we cannot make profits without complete control over credit.” A general conclusion deduced from the situation — reasoning to a principle. A deduced conclusion is an Inference (I).
Result. Reading A–B–C–D in order gives I – J – F – I, i.e. the sequence IJFI.
Cross-check. The only point that trips students is the first sentence: a conditional “unless… we cannot…” looks factual but is actually reasoning to a consequence, so it is an Inference, not a Fact. With A fixed as I, every sequence except IJFI is eliminated — FJIF and FJFI both wrongly open with F, and IIJF wrongly tags the counterfactual second sentence as an Inference and the observed-revenue third sentence as a Judgment.