Deconstructing Arguments: Premise, Conclusion, and Assumption
In the realm of competitive exams like the GMAT, mastering the art of dissecting arguments is paramount. Reading comprehension and critical reasoning sections heavily rely on your ability to identify the core components of an argument: its premises, conclusion, and underlying assumptions. This module will equip you with the tools to break down any argument into its fundamental building blocks.
What is an Argument?
At its heart, an argument is a set of statements, where one or more statements (premises) are offered as reasons or evidence to support another statement (the conclusion). The goal of an argument is to persuade the reader or listener to accept the conclusion.
Identifying the Conclusion
The conclusion is the main point the author is trying to make. It's the statement that the premises are intended to support. Look for indicator words that often signal a conclusion, such as: <strong>therefore, thus, hence, so, consequently, it follows that, in conclusion, we can see that</strong>.
The conclusion is the main point the author is trying to make and is supported by the premises.
Understanding Premises
Premises are the statements that provide the evidence or reasons for believing the conclusion. They are the foundation upon which the argument is built. Indicator words for premises include: <strong>because, since, for, as, given that, in view of the fact that</strong>.
Think of premises as the ingredients in a recipe, and the conclusion as the finished dish. Without the right ingredients (premises), you can't create the desired outcome (conclusion).
The Crucial Role of Assumptions
Assumptions are unstated beliefs or propositions that must be true for the argument to be valid. They bridge the gap between the premises and the conclusion. Authors often don't explicitly state their assumptions, making them a key area for critical analysis. To identify an assumption, ask yourself: 'What must the author believe to be true for these premises to lead to this conclusion?'
Imagine an argument as a bridge. The premises are the pillars supporting the bridge, and the conclusion is the destination on the other side. The assumptions are the unseen structural elements that hold the bridge together and ensure it can carry the weight from the premises to the conclusion. Without these hidden supports, the bridge would collapse. For example, if an argument states 'This car is expensive, so it must be high quality,' the unstated assumption is that 'expensive items are always high quality.' This assumption is crucial for the conclusion to logically follow from the premise.
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Putting It All Together: An Example
Consider this statement: 'The new software update has been released, so our team's productivity will increase.'
- <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Our team's productivity will increase.
- <strong>Premise:</strong> The new software update has been released.
- <strong>Assumption:</strong> The new software update is designed to improve productivity and will be effectively implemented by the team.
Practice Makes Perfect
The ability to accurately identify premises, conclusions, and assumptions is a skill that improves with practice. Focus on dissecting arguments in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, and apply the principles learned here. This foundational understanding is critical for excelling in GMAT critical reasoning and reading comprehension sections.
Learning Resources
This official guide provides sample questions and explanations directly from the GMAT creators, offering authentic practice for argument analysis.
A comprehensive blog post from Manhattan Prep, a renowned GMAT prep company, detailing strategies for critical reasoning, including argument structure.
Khan Academy offers free video lessons and practice exercises covering various aspects of critical reasoning, including identifying premises and conclusions.
A vibrant community forum where GMAT aspirants discuss critical reasoning questions, share strategies, and analyze arguments.
An academic resource explaining the fundamental concepts of premises and conclusions in logic, providing a solid theoretical basis.
While for LSAT, the principles of identifying assumptions are highly transferable to GMAT critical reasoning. This article offers clear explanations and examples.
A detailed video explanation from GMAT Ninja, a popular GMAT instructor, focusing specifically on how to identify assumptions in GMAT arguments.
A PDF document from the University of Hong Kong that delves into the nuances of argument analysis, including the identification of premises and conclusions.
A comprehensive overview of what constitutes an argument in philosophy, covering its structure and purpose, which is foundational for critical reasoning.
Magoosh provides practical strategies and tips for tackling GMAT critical reasoning questions, including how to approach argument structure.