5 Secrets to Mastering LSAT Assumption Questions (+ Why Most Students Get #3 Wrong)

Assumption questions are like that friend who never says what they really mean. They're testing whether you can read between the lines and figure out what the author should have said but didn't. Fun, right?

Here's the brutal truth: assumption questions trip up even high scorers because they require you to think about what's NOT there. It's like being asked to describe the elephant that's NOT in the room. Tricky stuff.

But here's the good news: once you know these 5 secrets, assumption questions become surprisingly predictable. Let's dive in.

Secret #1: All Assumptions Are Gap-Fillers

Every LSAT argument has gaps. Think of arguments like bridges: the evidence is one side, the conclusion is the other side, and assumptions are the invisible support beams holding the whole thing together.

The Gap-Hunting Method:

Find the conclusion (what's the author trying to prove?)
Find the evidence (what reasons are given?)
Ask: "What's missing between these two?"

Example: "John studied hard. Therefore, John will ace the LSAT."

Gap: That studying hard leads to acing the LSAT. It's an assumption. (Who knows, what if studying hard still doesn't lead to acing the LSAT?) We don't know for sure, it isn't proven or even stated. It's simply assumed that studying hard leads to acing. You need to be that critical when analyzing assumption passages, because if there isn't a direct connection between the evidence and conclusion, that's your gap.

Secret #2: The Negation Test (Your Secret Weapon)

Here's the most powerful assumption question technique: the negation test. If negating an answer choice destroys the argument, that's your assumption.

How to Use the Negation Test:

Read the answer choice
Negate it (make it the opposite, a simple trick for doing this is putting the words "It's not the case that... right before the answer choice")
Ask: "Does this destroy the argument?"
If yes = correct answer. If no = wrong answer.

Secret #3: Why Most Students Get This Wrong

Most students look for assumptions that "sound important" rather than assumptions that are actually necessary. Big difference.

The Fatal Mistake:

Students pick answers that strengthen the argument instead of answers the argument assumes. Strengtheners are nice to have; assumptions are must-haves.

Remember: Assumptions aren't just helpful - they're essential. Without them, the argument collapses.

The Takeaway

Assumption questions aren't about mind-reading - they're about systematically identifying what's missing from arguments. Once you start thinking like a gap-hunter instead of a mind-reader, these questions become much more manageable.

And remember: the LSAT wants you to find these assumptions. They're not hiding them in some secret vault. Use these 5 secrets, practice consistently, and watch your assumption question accuracy soar.

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