Search

Home » Identifying Assumptions and Conclusions Test

Identifying Assumptions and Conclusi

ons Test
The identifying assumptions and conclusions part is often tricky and considere
d the hardest in the Civil Service Examination. Assumptions are the unstated
information needed to be valid for the conclusion to hold true. On the other
hand, conclusions are made based on the assumptions given, so conclusion n
eeds to agree with the given assumptions.
Here are some quick tips in finding assumptions and conclusions:
1. An assumption is an information not stated in the argument that mu
st be true for the argument’s conclusion to hold true. Look for the missi
ng or unstated premise to that that makes the conclusion valid.

2. The conclusion must be based on the given premise/s. Check if the a

nswer has a connection with the given assumption.

3. Eliminate off-topic arguments. If the given choices are not in any wa

y connected with the given statement, eliminate these unrelated answer
s.

4. Eliminate too broad answers. Check for answers which are opposite
with the given statement,

5. The correct assumption must connect the evidence to the conclusion.

Try to come up with one or several assumptions that underpin the argu
ment. Show that the evidence given is relevant to the conclusion offere
d.

6. Try to analyze the cause and effect relationship and see if the conclu
sion resulted because of the circumstances given in the assumption.
1. Although there has been great scientific debate for decades over global warming, most scientis

ts now agree that human activity is causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. Though predictions v

ary, many global warming experts believe that average global temperatures will rise between thre
e and eight degrees Fahrenheit during the next century. Such an increase would cause an alarmi
ng rise in sea levels, displacing millions of people by destroying major population centers along t

he world’s coastlines.

Which of the following is an assumption in support of the argument’s conclusion?

Individuals will not become more aware of the steps they can take to reduce the emissi
on of greenhouse gases.
New technological developments in the next century will not divert rising se

as from the world’s coastal cities.

Some global warming experts predict a greater than eight degree Fahrenheit increase in
global temperatures during the next century.

Rising sea levels similarly affect all coastal population centers.

Human activity is the sole cause of increasing global temperatures.

2. If you repent, you will go to heaven. You have repented. What can be concluded?

Your sins will be forgiven.

You will become a saint.

You are a good man.

You will go to heaven.

3. An increase in blood flow and a reduction in the resting heart rate lower the occurrence of hy
pertension, also known as high blood pressure, a medical condition in which blood pressure is chr
onically elevated. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes and heart attacks.
A regimen of regular walking can assist some people in greatly increasing their blood flow and si
g n i f i c a n t l y d e c r e a s i n g t h e i r r e s t i n g h e a r t r a t e .

Which of the following is a correct conclusion that can be drawn from the information provided?

Only regular walking is necessary to lower the risk of heart attacks.

Individuals who walk on a regular basis do not run any risk of developing hypertension.

Walking is the most effective method for increasing blood flow and decreasing a resting
heart rate.

Individuals who do not walk on a regular basis run a high risk of developing hypertensio
n.

A program of regular walking for some people can lower a risk factor for str
okes.

4. Sarah: Most parents are eager for their preschoolers to learn as much as possible. However, i
nstead of providing general opportunities for their children to learn, parents often direct their chil

dren’s learning to their own personal concerns. Because children have a natural curiosity and thir
st for knowledge, they learn an enormous amount simply through growing and adapting to the w

orld. Therefore, this type of directed learning is unlikely to improve a child’s preschool education.

Which one of the following is an assumption on which Sarah's argument depends?

Parents who use the type of directed learning in question have been exposed to misguid
ed psychological theories about children.

The type of directed learning in question is not a necessary part of the proc
ess of growing and adapting to the world.

The type of directed learning in question is likely to enhance the general opportunities f
or children to learn.

General opportunities to learn are not typical of the early years of formal education.

Children will have difficulty adapting to the world without the unique help and guidance
of their parents.

5. Gigi is probably a pianist. She can really stretch her hands and fingers.

ASSUMPTION:

Only people with big hands and long fingers can be pianists.

Stretching helps pianist perform better.

Playing the piano helps Gigi stretch her hands and fingers.

Pianists can really stretch their hands and fingers.

A long stretch enables pianists to reach more keys on the piano.