assume

 assume

= to take something for granted or accept it as true without proof

Mark assumes his sports car will impress his clients.

Mark assumes his new software will boost sales quickly.

Mark assumes running every morning keeps him healthy.

Susan assumes the university library has all her books.

Susan assumes sports practice will help her stay fit.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "assume":

Synonyms:

presume

suppose

take for granted

believe

Antonyms:

doubt

question

disbelieve

reject

Question:

What does "assume" mean?

A) To doubt

B) To accept without proof

C) To reject ideas

D) To prove facts

The Shiny Mistake

Mark was a businessman who loved to impress people. When he had an important meeting with a new client, Mark assumed his sports car would impress his client.

He ran to his garage with buckets of detergent and polish. He scrubbed the bright red car until it shone like a giant apple. Next, he walked into his cloakroom and chose his most expensive silk suit. Looking in the mirror, Mark felt unstoppable. His girlfriend, Chloe, watched him and laughed, "Are you selling a contract or entering a fashion show?"

Mark just smiled confidently and sped off to the restaurant. When he arrived, he met his client, Mr. Dupont, and a young woman named Susan. Mark quickly flashed his brightest smile and adjusted his sparkling jacket.

"Bonjour! I am Susan," she said. "I am a university student doing an internship here. I will translate for Mr. Dupont because he only speaks French."

Mark grinned, "Oh, Susan! We really have a great serendipity!"

He then leaned toward Mr. Dupont, waiting for a compliment on his shiny suit or fast car. Instead, Mr. Dupont tapped the table with a white cane and put on heavy black sunglasses. Mark’s jaw dropped. His client was completely blind! He couldn't see the sparkling car or the fancy suit at all.

For three long hours, Mark sweated through his expensive suit while Susan translated endless business numbers. Finally, Mr. Dupont smiled and signed the contract.

As Mark walked back to his immaculate car, covered in sweat and exhausted, he chuckled to himself. He realized that appearance is not important after all—especially when your client can only hear your voice!

Questions

1. According to the story, why was Mark's expensive suit and shiny sports car unnecessary for the meeting?

A) The client cancelled the meeting at the last minute.

B) The client was blind and could not see Mark's appearance.

C) Chloe made Mark change into casual clothes before leaving.

D) Susan told Mark that French clients prefer simple outfits.

2. In which sentence is the word "assume" used correctly based on its definition?

A) Mark assumes his sports car will impress his client, even though he has never met him before.

B) Mark assumes his car with soap and water until it becomes very shiny.

C) Mark assumes to the restaurant quickly so he will not be late.

D) Mark assumes the contract to Mr. Dupont so he can sign it.