ASSUMPTION SECTION

[jamiepascal]

I am having a some difficulty with assumption questions. It says not to include extraneous information, but it seems as though the credited answer is not at all what I'd expect. Also, should paraphrasing be apart of my analysis?

[James Finch]

Hi Jamie,

Assumption questions can be some of the most difficult for students, so don't be too discouraged. Generally, I tell my students to first look for a novel element in the conclusion (one not raised by the premises), which would indicate the correct answer being a Supporter assumption. Then look for an answer choice that links the novel element in the conclusion to a premise, and test it using the Assumption Negation technique. Prephrasing works very well for these Supporter Assumptions.

When the logic in the stimulus seems valid, i.e. it doesn't contain a clear gap between premises and conclusion, then you're most likely dealing with a Defender Assumption type, where the correct answer choice will fend off a possible, and unexpected, line of attack. These are harder to Prephrase, and thus the Assumption Negation technique can be even more important. Just be sure to only test the ones that are Contenders, and not waste time with obvious losers.

If you have any specific questions about specific assumption questions, feel free to ask about them on their respective pages.