SOS: Need any + all help with strengthen + required assumption questions

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• 1 Like

  Lucas Carter Alum Member ⭐

  July 2018 2804 karma

  For strengthen try to focus on what the conclusion is really saying. Often times trap answer choices will sound really good but be slightly inconsistent with what the argument is trying to conclude. Always ask yourself how to make the premise become more likely to lead to the conclusion. Additionally, try to pre phrase what you think the AC should be/look like before looking at the ACs.

  For Necessary Assumption, I think about whether we really need the assumption to be true for the argument to work, this helps eliminate ACs that are too specific or out of scope. I think that pre phrasing is most powerful and effective for NA questions and can alleviate a lot of confusion that trap ACs tend to cause.
• 1 Like

  jhbm_nyc Alum Member

  July 2018 568 karma

  For Strengthen Q's, I identify the P and C, and try to understand the gap in reasoning. Instead of predicting a specific answer choice, I just try to keep an open mind. If it's a causal or phenomenon/hypothesis argument, look for an answer choice that blocks an alternative explanation or strengthens covariation (cause + effect, or no cause + no effect). Don't dismiss an answer choice with new info too quickly -- figure out how it affects the argument. To confirm the answer choice, ask if it makes the P more relevant to the C, making the C more likely to be true. Eliminate answer choices that neither strengthens nor weakens, or where you can't determine one way or the other.

  For NA Q's, it's the same for identifying the P and C, and trying to understand the gap. You're task is to either bridge the gap between P and C (e.g. do they talk about the same groups? is there new info in the C not mentioned in the P?) or defend the argument against a potential objection (e.g. is there a factor/consideration the argument is overlooking?). Try to predict the answer choice if possible. Then for each answer choice, ask if it has to be true. If not, then eliminate. If yes, then confirm by negating to see if it destroys the argument.
• 1 Like

  kang_moyeon-1 Free Trial Member

  July 2018 12 karma

  Thank you both of you! I'll implement your strategies and see what clicks best for me
• 1 Like

  Ohnoeshalpme Alum Member ⭐

  July 2018 2531 karma

  If you negate a necessary assumption the conclusion is impossible to draw from the premises. Therefore, a good method to check your answer is to negate it and see if the conclusion can be properly drawn. If not, you got the right answer!