Assumption Negation applied to question

[nyc431]

Can you provide an example of the assumption negation technique/process applied as it applies to an assumption LSAT question? The course only seems to include a more abstract and higher level explanation. Thanks!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi NYC,

Thanks for the question! the course will always introduce each concept by talking about it in more abstract terms, but then it always follows that up by showing it in action on real LSAT questions. So, it just may be you haven't gotten to that part yet Regardless, let's look at one from Lesson 5, Question #6 about the BTI Advertisement"

First, this question has a full discussion over at viewtopic.php?f=678&t=11331, and so I'll pull how (E) works from there:

• Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. Answer choice (E), when negated, says basically, “some of the other pond life forms do rely on mosquito larvae for food.” If this is the case, then the ad’s claim is defeated, since the author’s assertion is that mosquitoes can be controlled without hurting other life around the pool. Since this answer choice, when negated, does defeat the ad’s conclusion, this must reflect a defender assumption on which the ad relies.

Essentially, negating an Assumption answer turns the question into a Weaken question. The correct answer, when negated, will then weaken the argument. The BTI question is a great example of that in action, and while at first it will seem slow, eventually you will be able to do it smoothly and effortlessly (I analogize it to driving a car--no one is good at that at first, but everyone becomes very comfortable at it eventually!)

Thanks!