Necessary Assumption Questions Forum

[RFKScott]

I understand the basic elements of solving necessary assumption questions (ie: negation technique) however I feel they are the questions I am missing the most frequently and/or the ones that slow me down considerably during the section and cause me not to complete. Anyone have any strong tips they can offer or trends that they have noticed that could help me out? Thanks in advance.

[WonkyPanda]

In all honesty, the negation technique is one of the best ways to help with necessary questions. Other from that, you need to really look at the argument and see where the author is making that 'logical leap' that is connecting his whole argument together. You need to look for that one assumption that is holding up the entire argument.

For example: if a guy is arguing that government money needs to be used to restore our parks because they're the only way to maintain the beauty in a city, an example of an assumption would be that building new parks will not restore the beauty of the city.

Sorry if this is a crude example and I kind of thought it on the spot, but focus on the fact that you need to realize an assumption that is holding up the argument and enforce it (or negate it to find the answer).

[Sh@keNb@ke]

RFK, make sure when you are looking at an assumption question that you're strengthening the conclusion. Many of the answer choices will strengthen the premises, but not necessarily connect to the conclusion. This is key because when you end up negating the answer choices, some of them may seem correct even if they have no relation to the main point of the argument.

[Knock]

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/as ... -must.html

HTH.

[Clarity]

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/as ... -must.html

HTH.

I am not the OP but thank you for posting that link!

[Knock]

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/as ... -must.html

HTH.

I am not the OP but thank you for posting that link!

No problem. Also, if that helped you, i'd also recommend:
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/di ... cient.html
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/lo ... ption.html

[JesusChrist]

Boy, there's an over representation of Lakers fans on here. Or just Kobe fans I maybe.