Approaching Sub conclusions Vs Conclusions - Metal Ore Question

[leslie7]

Looking at p. 402, question 3 ed. 20201 LRB

I was wondering if for assumption questions do we ever focus on the subconclusion as opposed to the conclusion?

e.g. in this case it's a defender answer but if it is a supporter is there ever an instance where we ever have to find a "missing link" between a premise and a sub conclusion as opposed to the premise and conclusion?

any additional information in regards to subconclusions, in general, is welcome!

Thank you!

[Adam Tyson]

If an argument has a subordinate conclusion, aka intermediate conclusion, and the question stem asks for an assumption required by the argument, the answer could be an assumption required to make that intermediate conclusion, or it could be about an assumption required by the main conclusion. They would both be fair game on the test! All that matters is that the assumption is necessary for the argument, so that if you negate it the argument should fall apart.