Assumption question tricks Flashcards
name some keywords to identify a conclusion
as a result, thus, therefore, so, as a result, it follows, clearly
opinion language in a conclusion
should, ought, will
1 sentence test
pinpoint a sentence that is the most important details that the author wants to get across
facts/evidence keywords
Keywords - since, because, for, after all…
After all - signals that there is a conclusion before it
contrast or rebuttal words
however, but, yet, although
continuation words
also, in addition, moreover, and
if you see this keyword, it is connecting two pieces of evidence
logical reasoning method
- Identify the question type
- Untangle the stimulus - where we paraphrase
- Make a prediction
- Evaluate the answer choices
what is the first thing you do with weaken questions?
first, always, we want to look for an alternative explanation
what if you see “if” in the question stem
sufficient assumption
types of filler
alternate point of view (“some people believe”)
asides (lift out of argument, has no effect)
examples
background information
subordinate evidence
which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
nec assumption
which one of the following most accurately describes a reasoning flaw in the argument?
flaw
Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
strength
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolves the apparent paradox described above?
paradox
The argument’s conclusion is strongly supported if which one of the following completes the passage?
sufficient assumption
The reasoning is questionable in that it…
flaw
The author’s reasoning is most strongly supported if which one of the following is true?
sufficient assumption
Which one of the following, if true, most calls into question the author’s reasoning?
weaken
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apartment conflict above?
paradox
Which of the following is the conclusion of the argument?
main point
Which of the following is the overall conclusion of the argument?
main point
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument relies?
nec assumption
Which one of the following is an argumentative technique used by scientists?
method of argument
The dialogue provides the most support for the claim that X and Y disagree whether
point at issue
Every assumption family argument contains the following:
Conclusion (main point, assertion, evaluation, or recommendation), evidence (facts/information), assumption (unstated premise that connects C to E).
use the method
conclusion because evidence
mismatched concepts
Concepts in the evidence appear unrelated to those in the conclusion
A concept not discussed in the evidence is used in the conclusion.
Idea is that mismatched concepts when the author brings up a concept/idea in the conclusion. How are we going to draw a conclusion about it if we do not know any thing? There must be a concept that is dangling that you are assuming a connection between.
overlooked possibilities
Concepts in the evidence and conclusion ARE related. BUT the conclusion is too extreme for evidence (uses strong language or suggests that it MUST be this way)
are inferences arguments
no
Difference between inference and strengthen questions:
Question stems - inference questions
If X’s statements are true, then which one of the following must be true?
The word support comes in a lot
Flows downwards, the stimulus is providing support.
Strengthen questions
Flow upwards, answers support the stimulus
IDUS acronym -> inference down, UP strengthen
can an inference be simple
yes
inference - wimpy or strong?
wimpy
An inference can never be stronger than the stimulus
If formal logic involved, then can support a stronger answer choice.
traps with inferences
- Out of the scope (it talks about things that the author does not), irelevant comparisons (author does not make a comparison and the answer does, then eliminate)
- TOO Extreme language (language is stronger than used by the author, inference can never be more certain than the stimulus)
- 180 (answer is opposite for what we are looking for, answer contradict something you read)
necessary assumption process
1st look for mismatched concepts between conclusion and evidence, if you cannot find the mismatched concepts then overlooked possibilities
avoid or pursue extreme answers:
necessary assumption