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Statement & Conclusions || Assumptions || Arguments

Critical Reasoning Notes for ADRE Preparation

1. Statement and Conclusions

Concept: Deductive Reasoning. Determine what logically and definitively follows from the given statements. Only use information within the statements.

  • What it asks: "Which conclusion(s) necessarily follow?"
  • Key Idea: If a conclusion could possibly be false even if the statements are true, then it does NOT follow. It must be true in off possible scenarios derived from the statements.
  • Strategy:
    1. What statements are 100% true.
    2. Visualize (e.g., Venn diagrams for "All/Some/No").
    3. For each conclusion, test: "Is it impossible for this conclusion to be false if the statements are true?"
  • Common Pitfall: Using outside knowledge, confusing "possibility" with "necessity."

2. Statement and Assumptions

Concept: An assumption is an unstated premise or belief that must be true for the given statement to make sense or be logically valid, and what the speaker/writer takes for granted.

  • What it asks: "Which assumption(s) is/are implicit?"
  • Key Idea (Necessary Test): Ask yourself: "If this assumption were FALSE, would the original statement still be logically sound or make sense?"
    • If NO (statement falls apart) → Assumption is IMPLICIT (Valid).
    • If YES (statement still makes sense) → Assumption is NOT IMPLICIT (Invalid).
  • Strategy:
    1. Read the statement carefully, understanding its purpose.
    2. For each assumption, apply the "Necessary Test."
    3. Assumptions often relate to the purpose or feasibility of the statement (e.g., an ad assumes people want the product, a warning assumes it can prevent danger).
  • Common Pitfalls:
    • Confusing with Conclusions (Assumptions precede the statement).
    • Assumptions that are too strong (e.g., using "All," "only" when not warranted).
    • Assumptions introducing completely new, irrelevant information.

3. Statement and Arguments

Concept: Evaluating the strength of reasons (arguments) given for or against a proposition or statement. You judge if the reasons are strong or weak.

  • What it asks: "Which argument(s) is/are strong?"
  • Key Idea: A Strong Argument is:
    • Logical: Makes sense.
    • Relevant: Directly pertains to the statement.
    • Important: Has significant impact or consequence (not trivial).
    • Generally accepted/Objective: Based on general facts or principles, not just personal opinion, emotional appeal, or extreme scenarios.
  • Strategy:
    1. Understand the statement/proposition fully.
    2. For each argument, assess its strength based on the criteria above.
    3. Avoid personal bias.
  • Common Pitfalls (Weak Arguments):
    • Vague, ambiguous, or general statements.
    • Emotional appeals.
    • Mere restatement of the question.
    • Focus on minor or superficial issues.
    • Arguments that are unrealistic or illogical.

Implicit vs. Explicit: Core Definitions

These terms describe how information is communicated or understood.

1. Explicit

  • Meaning: Stated directly, clearly, and openly. It's on the surface, leaving no room for doubt or interpretation about what is meant.
  • Keywords/Phrases often used: "Stated directly," "clear," "obvious," "unambiguous."
  • Example:
    • Statement: "The sky is blue."
    • Explicit information: The color of the sky is blue.

2. Implicit

  • Meaning: Implied or suggested, rather than stated directly. It's understood without being said, hidden, or inferable from the context or what is said.
  • Keywords/Phrases often used: "Implied," "understood," "unspoken," "suggested," "taken for granted," "hinted at."
  • Example:
    • Statement: "He arrived without an umbrella, so he got drenched."
    • Implicit information: It was raining. (This isn't stated directly, but it's clearly implied by "got drenched" and "without an umbrella.")