Assertion (A): Word of mouth can spread like a wild fire. If the subject and content are right, it can burst into spontaneous combustion as an entire forest may suddenly be over run by a conflagration. Through word of mouth, rumour and innuendo may spread with extreme speed and spontaneity if the subject is close to the emotions of people.

Reason (R): More than thoughts feelings most quickly take wings on word of mouth.

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true

(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation

(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true

Correct Ans: (A)

Explanation:

Assertion (A) explains how word of mouth can spread like wildfire. When the subject or content resonates emotionally with people, it can trigger a spontaneous spread of information, rumors, or innuendos. This analogy likens word of mouth to a forest fire that spreads quickly and uncontrollably when it touches upon deeply felt issues.

Reason (R) highlights that feelings are more likely to spread through word of mouth than thoughts. Emotions tend to trigger immediate reactions and are contagious. People are more likely to share what they feel rather than what they think, making feelings a key driver in the spread of information.

Both assertion and reason align with each other. As assertion states, when a subject stirs emotions, it travels quickly. Reason emphasizes that emotions, being the primary drivers, are shared faster. Therefore, both (A) and (R) are true and directly support each other.

Thus, the correct answer is (A) Both (A) and (R) are true.