Difference between strength and assumption questions

[hskhader]

Hello,
I am having trouble trying to discern the difference in approach in regards to both strength and necessary assumption questions.

Regarding Strength, I know that you have to look at the gap between the premise and conclusion and try to close gap. The strength statement that you choose to help close the gap will also prevent alternative possibilities from occurring.

On the other hand, for necessary assumption, I know that you again have to look at the gap between the premise and the conclusion, assess gap, and try to figure out the unstated premise.

Basically, doesn't the necessary assumption between the premise and conclusion also strengthen the argument? And thus would you then say that it one solve for necessary and strengthen questions in the same way?

(P.S. the only difference I could see between necessary and strengthen answers is that necessary questions are of a lower degree (bare minimum)
Thank You

[Dave Killoran]

Hi H,

Thanks for the question! This is a topic that comes up frequently (and in the 2018 LRB I expanded the discussion of differences to help make it even clearer), so for starters I'm going to link you to a few different discussions, and then perhaps one of our instructors will also weigh in. Let's start here though:

Understanding LSAT Justify the Conclusion/Sufficient Assumption LR Questions

Assumption Question Vs Justify the conclusion

Assumption Questions vs. Justify Questions Look for my answers in this thread.

Thanks!