🤔Common Assumption Examples

Here are some everyday examples of assumptions that children often make. Understanding these can help develop critical thinking skills.

Assumption	Why It's an Assumption
Tom didn't come to school today, he must be sick.	This is an assumption because there could be many other reasons why Tom didn't come to school.
She looks sad, she must have failed her test.	This is an assumption because there could be many different reasons why someone looks sad.
My friend isn't answering their phone, they must be ignoring me.	This is an assumption because there could be many reasons why someone isn't answering their phone - they might be busy, their phone might be off, etc.
That restaurant is always empty, the food must be bad.	This is an assumption because a restaurant might be empty for various reasons - high prices, poor location, or it might be during off-peak hours.
It's raining outside, so the picnic will be cancelled.	This is an assumption because the picnic might still happen - it could stop raining, or it could be moved indoors.
They're wearing expensive clothes, so they must be rich.	This is an assumption because someone's clothing choices don't necessarily reflect their financial status.
He got a new car, he must have won the lottery.	This is an assumption because there are many ways someone could acquire a new car - savings, loan, gift, etc.
The sky looks dark, it will definitely rain soon.	This is an assumption because dark clouds don't always result in rain - they might pass by or dissipate.
She's good at math, so she must study all the time.	This is an assumption because someone might be naturally talented, have a different learning style, or practice efficiently.
He's always alone at lunch, he probably doesn't have any friends.	This is an assumption because someone might choose to eat alone, have friends in different lunch periods, or enjoy quiet time.
That book has a boring cover, it won't be interesting.	This is an assumption because a book's content isn't determined by its cover - many great books have simple covers.
They speak multiple languages, their parents must be from different countries.	This is an assumption because people can learn multiple languages for many reasons - study, interest, or living in different places.
The movie has famous actors, so it will be great.	This is an assumption because the quality of a movie depends on many factors, not just the actors.
He's tall, so he must play basketball.	This is an assumption because height doesn't determine what sports or activities someone enjoys or participates in.
She's always smiling, her life must be perfect.	This is an assumption because someone's outward expression doesn't always reflect their true feelings or life situation.
Lightning never strikes the same place twice.	This is an assumption - lightning can and does strike the same place multiple times. The Empire State Building is struck about 25 times per year.
The Great Wall of China is visible from space.	This is an assumption - while the Great Wall is impressive, it's not visible from space with the naked eye, contrary to popular belief.
Blood in your veins is blue until exposed to oxygen.	This is an assumption - blood is always red. The blue appearance of veins is due to how light interacts with skin and blood vessels.
Diamonds are formed from compressed coal.	This is an assumption - diamonds are formed from pure carbon, but not specifically from coal. Most diamonds are older than the first plants that could form coal.
If someone is smiling in a photo, they must have been happy at that moment.	This is an assumption - people can smile for photos regardless of their actual emotional state.
Expensive products are always better quality than cheaper ones.	This is an assumption - price doesn't always correlate with quality. Many factors influence product pricing.
If a student gets good grades, they must study all the time.	This is an assumption - academic success can be achieved through various factors including efficient study methods, natural aptitude, or prior knowledge.
If someone speaks with an accent, they must be new to the country.	This is an assumption - people can maintain accents even after living in a country for many years or generations.
If someone is wearing glasses, they must be smart.	This is an assumption - wearing glasses is related to vision needs, not intelligence.
If a restaurant is crowded, the food must be good.	This is an assumption - restaurants can be crowded for many reasons including location, marketing, or price.
If someone has a big house, they must be rich.	This is an assumption - housing size can be influenced by many factors including location, mortgages, inheritance, or shared living arrangements.
If someone is quiet, they must be shy.	This is an assumption - people may be quiet for many reasons including personality, cultural background, or personal choice.
If someone is athletic, they must not be good at academics.	This is an assumption - physical and academic abilities are not mutually exclusive.
If someone has many social media followers, they must be popular in real life.	This is an assumption - online following doesn't necessarily reflect real-life social relationships.

✨Verifiable Facts for Comparison

To better understand assumptions, it's helpful to compare them with facts. Here are examples of statements that can be proven true through evidence.

Fact	Why It's a Fact
Earth is a planet.	This is a fact that has been scientifically proven.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.	This is a scientific fact - water boils at 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
The sun rises in the east.	This is a scientific fact due to Earth's rotation from west to east.
Dogs have four legs.	This is a biological fact about the physical structure of dogs.
Ice is frozen water.	This is a scientific fact about the physical state of water at temperatures below 0°C.
Humans need oxygen to survive.	This is a biological fact - humans require oxygen for cellular respiration.
Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis.	This is a scientific fact about how plants produce their food through photosynthesis.
A week has seven days.	This is a fact based on our standardized calendar system.
All squares have four equal sides.	This is a mathematical fact that defines the properties of a square.
Sound needs a medium to travel through.	This is a scientific fact - sound waves require a medium (like air or water) to propagate.
The Earth orbits around the Sun.	This is an astronomical fact about our solar system.
Magnets attract iron.	This is a scientific fact about the magnetic properties of certain materials.
Fish breathe through gills.	This is a biological fact about how fish extract oxygen from water.
Two plus two equals four.	This is a mathematical fact that is always true in our number system.
All living things need energy to survive.	This is a biological fact - every living organism requires energy to maintain life processes.
The human body has 206 bones.	This is a scientific fact about human anatomy - an adult human body typically has 206 bones.
The speed of light in a vacuum is constant.	This is a fundamental fact of physics - the speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure.	This is a scientific fact about the physical properties of water under normal atmospheric conditions.
The Earth's atmosphere contains approximately 21% oxygen.	This is a scientific fact about the composition of Earth's atmosphere.
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.	This is a biological fact about human genetics.
Light travels faster than sound.	This is a physics fact - light travels at approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, while sound travels at about 343 meters per second in air.
DNA contains genetic information.	This is a biological fact - DNA is the molecule that carries genetic instructions for development and functioning of living organisms.
The Moon orbits around the Earth.	This is an astronomical fact about our solar system's structure.
Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis.	This is a biological fact about how plants convert light energy into chemical energy and release oxygen as a byproduct.
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au.	This is a scientific fact from the periodic table of elements.
The human heart pumps blood throughout the body.	This is a biological fact about the function of the human circulatory system.
All mammals breathe oxygen.	This is a biological fact - all mammals require oxygen for cellular respiration.

Tips for Teaching About Assumptions

•Use these examples in classroom discussions
•Ask students to create their own examples
•Practice identifying assumptions in daily life
•Encourage questioning and evidence-seeking