By definition, an argument is a set of one or more meaningful propositions known as the “premises” used in conjunction with another proposition sentence known as the “conclusion.”

Now I’m sure this all sounds pretty complicated…so why should is it important that you even know this?

Well, the GMAT tests your knowledge of basic argument structure through critical reasoning questions, and so it’s important to be able to identify the basic components of an argument – this is the key to solving all CR problems. Let’s take a look at the components of an argument in more detail.

Premises

Also more commonly known as the “evidence,” premises are the facts. They form the foundation for an argument and must be accepted as 100% true. Premises are never ambiguous and should never be open to interpretation. This is why the justice system relies so heavily on evidence, because a premise can never be strengthened or weakened, evidence can only be accepted as is. The primary purpose of the premise is to support the “conclusion.”

Conclusion

The conclusion is the central idea of the argument; it is the outcome or judgment that is drawn given the evidence and assumptions. The conclusion can be found at the beginning of a passage, the end of a passage, or even in the question stem. Certain words are used to introduce the conclusion sentence. Look for words such as: “therefore,” “hence,” and “thus,” to identify that a particular sentence is the conclusion sentence.

Assumptions

Assumptions are logical jumps the reader can make. They are similar to the facts, but not explicitly stated in the text. Assumptions support the conclusion and can serve as a bridge between the premise and conclusion.

Example

Studies of fatal automobile accidents reveal that, in the majority of cases in which one occupant of an automobile is killed while another survives; it is the passenger, not the driver, who is killed. It is ironic that the innocent passenger should suffer for the driver’s carelessness, while the driver often suffers only minor injuries or none at all.

Identify the Evidence:

Studies of fatal automobile accidents reveal that, in the majority of cases in which one occupant of an automobile is killed while another survives; it is the passenger, not the driver, who is killed. The driver often suffers only minor injuries or none at all.

Identify the Conclusion:

It is ironic that the innocent passenger should suffer for the driver’s carelessness.

What are the Assumption(s)?

The use of the words “ironic” and “driver’s carelessness” denote that the writer assumes that the driver is at fault for the accident.

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