Quick Summary

A correct assumption in GMAT Critical Reasoning is the hidden link that must be true for the argument to hold. Unlike strengthening statements, it is indispensable – if denied, the argument collapses. Test by asking: without this link, does the conclusion still stand?

Overview

A correct assumption is the indispensable link that ensures an argument stands, distinct from statements that merely add support. This overview introduces how to recognize assumptions by testing necessity: if denied, the argument collapses. The upcoming video and article illustrate this with clear examples, contrasting assumptions with strengthen choices. Building this distinction sharpens reasoning in GMAT prep and enhances structured evaluation across MBA admissions, where recognizing what is essential versus supplementary often determines the strength of arguments and decisions.

 

Understanding Assumptions in GMAT Critical Reasoning

Assumptions are among the most delicate yet powerful concepts in Critical Reasoning. An assumption is not just any statement that connects the premises to the conclusion. It is the statement that fills the missing link and must necessarily be true for the argument to hold ground. Without it, the argument collapses. A correct assumption always strengthens the argument, and when its truth is denied, the argument loses its validity.

GMAT Critical Reasoning Assumption Questions: What They Look Like

Expect a brief passage with layers of information and a conclusion. Your task is to identify the assumption the author makes in reaching that conclusion.

Typical Question Stems

• Which of the following is an assumption made in the argument?
• Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?

How an Assumptions CR Question Appears on the GMAT

Correct Answer: E

The GDP Growth Example (from the video)

Consider the following:

The GDP of Xitora has grown by 15% during the tenure of the current political party. Hence, the political party has done a good job and deserves another term.

The premise (information) is that the country’s GDP has grown by 15 percent, and the conclusion is that the ruling party has performed well and deserves to remain in power.

The missing-link lies between “GDP growth” and “the performance of the party.”

• A valid assumption must fill the missing-link and be necessarily true for the argument to be valid.

Look at the following statement:

The statement “GDP growth is an important factor in judging the performance of a political party.” Is a valid assumption, because…

• It fills the missing-link, thereby strengthening the argument.
• It is necessarily true for the argument to hold. If GDP growth were not important, the conclusion would not follow.

Common Misunderstandings

1. 1. “GDP growth is the only factor.” This is not a fine assumption. The argument does not need GDP growth to be the only factor. Even if it is one of the important factors, the conclusion can hold.
   2. “GDP growth is the most important factor.” Again, not a fine assumption. The argument does not require this extreme condition.
   3. “No previous government ever achieved more than 10 percent growth.” While this strengthens the argument, it is not an assumption. The argument can hold even if past governments had higher growth.
   4. “None of the similar economies achieved more than 12 percent growth.” This strengthens but does not qualify as an assumption, since the argument does not depend on this fact.
   5. “15 percent GDP growth is the highest in 100 years.” Once again, this strengthens, but the conclusion does not require it to be the highest. It only requires 15 percent to be considered good enough.

Assumptions vs. Strengthening Statements in GMAT Critical Reasoning

Aspect	Assumptions	Strengthening Statements
Role in the argument	The hidden foundation. Without it, the argument collapses.	Additional support. Makes the argument stronger but is not essential.
Necessity	Must be necessarily true for the conclusion to hold.	Helpful but not required for the conclusion to stand.
Effect if denied	Argument completely falls apart.	Argument may weaken but can still stand without it.
Nature	Always strengthens the argument when affirmed, destroys it when negated.	Only increases persuasiveness, not absolute necessity.
Example (GDP growth case)	“GDP growth is an important factor in judging the performance of a political party.”	“GDP growth of 15 percent is the highest in 100 years.”

Key Takeaways

A correct assumption is not just supportive but necessary—without it, the conclusion fails. Distinguish assumptions from strengthening statements by applying the denial test: if rejecting the statement collapses the argument, it is an assumption. Practice identifying this hidden link to sharpen logical precision. Mapping premises, conclusions, and assumptions consistently builds analytical clarity. Applying these skills through GMAT simulations reinforces timing, accuracy, and confidence, ensuring that assumptions are recognized as the indispensable backbone of sound reasoning.

Parting Thought

The idea of an assumption teaches us to value what is essential over what is merely persuasive. In GMAT preparation, recognizing assumptions sharpens clarity and prevents wasted effort on distractions. In MBA applications, the same discipline guides applicants to uncover the underlying connections that make their story compelling. In life, too, progress depends on identifying the foundations that truly hold an argument, decision, or relationship together. Each GMAT mock becomes a reminder that success rests not on embellishment but on recognizing and protecting what is indispensable.