What is an assumption?
The unstated idea required for the conclusion to be valid.An argument can have >1 assumptions.
What is Tested?
Understanding how the argument is made.
Incorporating new information that the author assumes.
Roles played by assumptions: 2 roles.a) Bridges the logical GAP [Most common role played by the assumption]
b) Protect against weakeners. [Mostly applicable on the cauisal passages]
Structured way of approaching assumption questions
1) Identify Premise & COnclusion.
2) Create Logical Structure
3) Ask what does he author assume?
3) Choose correct answer choice.
Characteristics of correct and incorrect answer choice
a) Characteristics of correct answer choice
- Must suppor the conclusion
therefore, should not go against the conclusion.
Should be in the scope of the passage.
- Must Pass the negation test
- Must provide new Information.
Threfore, cannot be re-statement of opremise.
Assumptions are never stated in the passage.
More on Negation Test
Apply it to 2-3 answer choices
How to Negate:
Necklace is made of GOLD Vs Necklace is NOT made of gold.
Necklace is made of Anything But gold.
All apples in the basket are rotten Some apples...
None of the apples..
Note:
Statements may support the conclusion but still NOT ne an assumption if they do not break the conclusion on negation.
b) Characteristics of incorrect answer choice
OFS: Out of scope
Presents unrelated information that may not have any impact on the conclusion.
Opposite Effect:
Provides infoamtion that weakens the conclusion.
iSWAT: incorrect similarly worded attractive terminology
Uses the same terminology but completely irrelevant information.
Rbi: Relevant but inconclusive.
Information supports the conclusion but doesnt break it on negation. Strengtheners are typical examples.
Assumption question verbage.
depends on
assumes
based on
assumption
DOUBT:Can assumptions also support premises : Yes
What is an Assumption?
ReplyDelete- Unstated but Necessary Premise for conclusion to hold true.
- Passage may have > 1 Assumption.
Role Played
- Bridges Logical gap. New word test!!
- Negates potential weakener (Causal Passages)
Characteristcs of Correct Answer Choices
- Supports conclusion. Supporting a premise will do.
- Must be New information.
- Must PASS negation test.
Characteristcs of INCorrect Answer Choices
- OFS
- iSWAT
- Doesnt Supoort Conclusion
- RBI
Negation Test
- Negating answer choices breaks conclusion.
Steps
- Read/Understand passage
- Logical structure
- Pre think assumptions
- Evaluate answer choices
---- on first viewing strike the ACs that dont support the conclusion.
---- When apply negation test on the remaining
---- Are they restatements?
---- Apply negation test again.
Misc
- The new info must be withing scope
- All assumptions are strengtheners BUT not all strengheners are assumptions.
- Passages in which assumptions bridge Logical gap mostly introduce a new word.