Critical Reasoning

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Theory

A premise is a fact stated in the passage and can be assumed to be true. All conclusions are derived on the basis of these facts and implicit assumptions hidden within the stated inferences.

Theory

An assumption is a fact that is not explicitly stated in the passage but is necessary to arrive at the conclusion stated in the passage.

Theory

Stated Inference is the conclusion explicitly stated in the passage.

Unstated Inference is the conclusion that can be derived with reasonable certainty from the information given in the passage.

Tip

To support the argument, bolster the assumption.

To weaken the argument, attack the assumption.

Solved Example

Read the paragraph carefully and answer the following question: 

 

Most reportage on Greece’s exit from EU has described it as a catastrophe for Greece. This is entirely untrue. It would be a catastrophe - for the bankers in Germany, Britain and France. Greece declaring bankruptcy and exiting the EU is in its best interests. Its debt is unsustainable and no amount of bailout money can change that. It is in the bankers’ interest that Greece continues to pay interest on a debt it can never repay. It is in the bankers’ interest that Greece’s debt remains on their books and Greece remains a debtor forever. Declaring bankruptcy is any nation’s basic right - and Greece should be allowed to exercise this right. Only then can they begin to rebuild their economy. Without a default, the current situation in Greece will only get worse. 

 

Which of the following statements, if true, would do most to strengthen the author’s main point?

 

a)Greek politicians, and not the general public, were responsible for the profligate spending that caused the financial crisis

b)50% of Greek youths have been unemployed for more than 2 years and could potentially become unemployable forever if Greece does not default

c)There is popular support in Greece for defaulting on the debt and exiting the EU

d)Greece’s default is likely to be closely followed by default by Spain and Italy leading to major turmoil in the global financial markets

 

Explanation -

The main point of the paragraph is that the default is in Greece’s best interest and hence any information that points out the advantages of exiting or disadvantages of not exiting will strengthen author’s main point. Hence, option B highlights a potential risk if Greece does not default and hence strengthens the author’s main point.

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