Identifying the Parts of an Argument

In order to do well on GMAT Critical Reasoning questions, you must be able to identify
the parts of an argument quickly. Consider the following argument:
Studying regularly is one factor that has been shown to improve one’s performance
on the GMAT. Melissa took the GMAT and scored a 500. If she
studies several times a week, Melissa can expect to improve her score.
In analyzing an argument, you should first look for the conclusion, which is the main
point of the argument. The conclusion is often the last sentence of an argument, but not
always. Sometimes the conclusion appears as the first sentence.
Where is the CONCLUSION? The main point of this argument is the last sentence:
If she studies several times a week, Melissa can expect to improve her score.
After finding the conclusion, look for the premises that lead to the conclusion. Premises
include ALL the pieces of information written in the argument (except the conclusion).
Premises provide evidence that usually supports, or leads to, the conclusion.
Where are the PREMISES? Since everything except the conclusion is considered a premise,
each of the first two sentences is a premise.
Premise: Studying regularly is one factor that has been shown to improve
one’s performance on the GMAT.
Premise: Melissa took the GMAT and scored a 500.
Often, all you will need to find are the conclusion and the premises. Sometimes, however,
the GMAT will ask you to identify an assumption.
Where are the ASSUMPTIONS? Assumptions are unstated parts of the argument.
Therefore, you will NEVER find an assumption stated in an argument. However, assumptions
are NECESSARY to reach the given conclusion. For example, one assumption in this
argument is that studying several times a week qualifies as studying regularly.