Lesson: Critical/Logical Reasoning - 31

Let's Review

The Conclusion is the point that the author is trying to make. The conclusion answers the question, "What is the author trying to tell me?"

The Evidence is the support that the author gives for his conclusion. The evidence answers the question, "Why should I believe this?"

The Assumption is the unstated but necessary premise that links the evidence to the conclusion.

Common Question Types:

Assumption - asks you to find the missing link between the author's evidence and conclusion.

Strengthen/Weaken - asks you to either strengthen or weaken an argument. This will usually involve identifying the author's central assumption and either shoring it up, or attacking it.

Inference - asks you which of 5 statements can be inferred, that is, must be true, based on information contained in the stimulus.