Most LR questions have a missing assumption and I think that is where I am having trouble. Sometimes the assumptions are very fuzzy to me...it's like I have an idea of what is missing but I can't put my finger on it. It has been frustrating! But I am glad that I am figuring out what I am needing to work on.
What is your suggestion of improvement for identifying assumptions?
Comments
For assumption family questions in LR you need to be able to weed through the excess verbiage in the stimulus and identify the argument core with surgical precision, identify the conclusion first then the reasoning and figure out why the premises do not completely substantiate the conclusion (there will always be at least one reason, there has to be). If you're able to pre-phase an answer it'll make it easier for you to identify the correct answer.
My suggestion would be to just practice doing assumption family type questions untimed at first. Really get good at finding the conclusion and the premises that support the conclusion. Then think about why that premise doesn't fully prove that conclusion.
Good luck!
1. Fails to consider ...
2. Takes for granted ...
So if, for example, here is a simplified argument:
Medicine X has been proven an effective treatment for Disease Y. Mark has Disease Y and it is being treated effectively. Therefore, Mark must be taking Medicine X.
The author in his/her argument (1) fails to consider other treatments for Disease Y that are just as effective as Medicine X, and (2) takes for granted that Medicine X is the only effective treatment for Disease Y.
If you reword the flaws, you will get an assumption like Medicine X is the only effective treatment available for Disease Y.
I hope that's helpful!
Thanks everyone for your help! This is such a helpful community!