Assumption Strength
Assumption Strength problems present a policy statement or argument followed by two assumptions. You must evaluate the strength of each assumption in supporting or relating to the argument. These problems test your ability to distinguish between logically strong (relevant and necessary) and weak (irrelevant or trivial) assumptions.
What You'll Learn
Introduction to Assumption Strength
Assumption Strength problems present a policy statement or argument followed by two assumptions. You must evaluate the strength of each assumption in supporting or relating to the argument. These problems test your ability to distinguish between logically strong (relevant and necessary) and weak (irrelevant or trivial) assumptions.
Prerequisites
How to Solve Assumption Strength Problems
Step 1: Read the policy statement or argument carefully
Step 2: Identify the core claim or recommendation being made
Step 3: Evaluate Assumption I: Is it directly relevant to supporting the policy?
Step 4: Evaluate Assumption I: Does it provide logical justification?
Step 5: Evaluate Assumption II using the same criteria
Step 6: A strong assumption directly supports the policy with logical reasoning
Step 7: A weak assumption is tangential, trivial, or irrelevant to the core claim
Step 8: Compare the strength of both assumptions and select the correct answer
Example Problem
Example: Policy Statement: 'Government must promote solar energy.' Assumptions: I. Solar energy reduces carbon emissions. II. The sun shines everywhere equally. Solution: Step 1: Core claim: Government should promote solar energy Step 2: Assumption I provides a direct benefit (reduced emissions) → Strong Step 3: Assumption II is about sun shining everywhere - this is irrelevant to whether government should promote it → Weak Answer: Assumption I is strong, II is weak
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Strong assumptions directly support the core claim with logical reasoning
- Weak assumptions are often: irrelevant facts, trivial truths, or personal preferences
- A strong assumption provides a 'why' for the policy
- A weak assumption might be true but doesn't help justify the policy
- Beware of assumptions that are too specific or too general to be useful
- Consider if the assumption addresses potential objections to the policy
Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Practice Worksheets
Practice makes perfect! Work through these worksheets to master Assumption Strength. Each worksheet contains 20 questions with detailed explanations. Start from Worksheet 1 and progress through increasing difficulty levels.
Exam Importance
Assumption Strength is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:
Ready to Master Assumption Strength?
Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes: