Identify the Assumptions

Question 1

Assumptions Questions tend to ask:

Answer 1

Which of the following is an assumption upon which the argument depends?

The conclusion above would be more reasonably drawn if which of the following were inserted into the argument as an additional premise?

The argument above logically depends on which of the following?

In order for the conclusion to be true, which of the following must be true?

Question 2

Steps for Assumption Questions

Answer 2

1. Carefully read & understand the passage
2. Read the question stem & identify what it is asking you to do
3. Determine the conclusion of the argument. MOST IMPORTANT.
4. Identify how the conclusion is supported.
5. Eliminate obvious choices that are not assumptions. (inferences, explanations, other info).
6. Chose the answer that is most clearly an assumption to the argument.

Question 3

Common ways in which assumption question correct answers work

Answer 3

1. Answer states an assumption that there is NO offsetting factor
2. Answer states an assumption that must be true in order for a cause-and-effect conclusion to be true.
3. Answer states an assumption that there are no other paths to success
4. Highlights an assumption that a plan for solving a problem will not result in the same problem or similar one
5. An assumption that something that is likely true is actually true
6. Highlights an assumption that a change occurring over time does not render that conclusion invalid.

Question 4

An answer choice that appears to confirm a premise will never be correct.

Answer 4

Premises are considered factual.

Question 5

Assumption Questions with Limiting Words (Except, Not)

Answer 5

When a question is presented in this format, four of the five answer choices will be assumptions integral to the argument.

Question 6

Negation Technique

Answer 6

If the negated version of the answer weakens the conclusion, then it’s the correct answer.

Step 1: Breakdown the argument
Step 2: Write down the negation answer
Step 3: Eliminate choices that do not hurt the conclusion when negated
Step 4: Choose the answer that most specifically hurts the argument

Question 7

Differences between Trap Choices and Correct Answers

Answer 7

It says something that is rather clearly not an assumption integral to the argument but is so obviously connected to the argument that you might be temped to chose it.

It says something that may seem to be an assumption integral to the argument but is not actually an assumption integral to the argument.

Question 8

Common Incorrect Answer Choices

Answer 8

1. Supports the wrong conclusion
2. Choices that do the reverse of what the question is asking for
3. Explains an aspect of the scenario presented in the passage
4. A statement that is a conclusion supported by what is said in the passage
5. Mentions a better/alternative plan
6. Supports the conclusion but is not an assumption upon which the argument depends