Assumption Question Type Review

An assumption is simply an unstated premise of the argument; that is, an
integral component of the argument that the author takes for granted and leaves
unsaid.
The relationship between the conclusion and the assumption can be described
as:
Conclusion Valid Assumption True
Hence, the answer you select as correct must contain a statement that the author
relies upon and is fully committed to in the argument.
Assumption question stems typically contain the following features:
1. The stem uses the word “assumption” or “presupposition” or some
variation.
2. The stem does not use the word “if” or another sufficient condition
indicator.
On the LSAT, assumptions play one of two roles: the Supporter or the
Defender:
Supporter Assumption: These assumptions link together new or rogue
elements in the stimulus or fill logical gaps in the
argument.
Defender Assumption: These assumptions contain statements that
eliminate ideas or assertions that would
undermine the conclusion. In this sense, they
“defend” the argument by showing that a
possible avenue of attack has been eliminated
(assumed not to exist).
Use the Assumption Negation Technique to decide between Contenders or to
confirm that the answer you have chosen is correct. The purpose of this
technique is to take an Assumption question, which is generally more difficult,
and turn it into a Weaken question. This technique can only be used on
Assumption questions. Take the following step to apply this technique:
1. Logically negate the answer choices under consideration.
2. The negated answer choice that attacks the argument will be the correct
answer.
Negating a statement consists of creating the logical opposite of the statement.
The logical opposite is the statement that denies the truth of the original
statement, and a logical opposite is different than the polar opposite.
To negate a conditional statement you must show that the necessary condition is
not in fact necessary.
The assumption underlying conditional reasoning is that the necessary condition
must occur in order for the sufficient condition to occur. Thus, the author
always assumes that any statement that challenges the truth of the relationship is
false. If you see a conditional conclusion and then are asked an Assumption
question, immediately look for an answer that confirms that the necessary
condition is truly necessary or one that eliminates possible alternatives to the
necessary condition.
Assumption answer choices tend to work exactly like Strengthen answer
choices in arguments with causal reasoning. Because the author always assumes
the stated cause is the only cause, the correct answer to an Assumption question
will normally fit one of the following categories:
A. Eliminates any alternate cause for the stated effect
B. Shows that when the cause occurs, the effect occurs
C. Shows that when the cause does not occur, the effect does not occur
D. Eliminates the possibility that the stated relationship is reversed
E. Shows that the data used to make the causal statement are accurate, or
eliminates possible problems with the data