Boldface : some definitions

[rd_eastbay]

Howdy folks,

 

I am trying to come up with a general way of tackling boldface questions. Clearly success with tackling these types of questions lies in seeing the structure of the argument. However, I find that I am often confused by the answer choices since I don't have a precise understanding of what is meant by the various terms commonly used there.

 

If you have better or more precise definitions (in the gmat-boldface sense as opposed to dictionary meaning), please post them.

 

Premise: An assumption; A presupposition.

Fact: A piece of information presented as having objective reality.

Consideration: Information that should be kept in mind (while making a decision).

Evidence: The basis for belief or disbelief.

Inference: Logical judgement on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation.

 

Question: What does pre-evidence mean in GMATland?

[piyusht]

some more :

Argument : Central to every CR question is the argument. An argument is an ordered line of reasoning composed of premises, assumptions, and a conclusion. Understanding the elements of an argument is essential to performing well in this section.

Premise

Each CR argument contains at least one premise. Premises are pieces of information that provide evidence used to support the conclusion of the argument. For the purposes of Critical Reasoning arguments, premises are facts not subject to dispute.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the endpoint of the line of reasoning of an argument. Think of it as the result of the argument. The line of reasoning leading to a conclusion is often where errors in logic are made.

Assumption

Assumptions are unstated facts and logical connections in an argument. In order for the conclusion of an argument to be true, the assumptions upon which that argument is based must also be true.

[rd_eastbay]

Piyush,

 

Thanks for posting your definitions.

 

Your definition of "Premise" differs significantly from mine. In a Boldface context, I always take it to be an assumption of sorts. However, as per you, it is closer to a fact than an assumption. Can you clarify?

 

For the record, my definitions are extracted from dictionary definitions and fit what I thought was implies by these terms in boldface answer choices.

[piyusht]

Dear rd,

 

Once you've found the conclusion, most often everything else in the argument will be either premises or "noise." The premises provide evidence for the conclusion; they form the foundation or infrastructure upon which the conclusion depends. To determine whether a statement is a premise, ask yourself whether it supports the conclusion. If so, it's a premise.

 

 

Premise Indicators

 

because,for,since,is evidence that,if,in that,as,owing to, suppose inasmuch as, assume , may be derived from

 

Example:

Since the incumbent's views are out of step with public opinion, he probably will not be reelected. Here "since" is used to flag the premise that the incumbent's positions are unpopular.

 

PS: Guys, this, hopefully, would help you to understand wht exactly is 1st premise, 2nd premise and all .. esp in boldface questions

[rd_eastbay]

Thanks Piyush.

 

Your definition of premise makes sense. However, how do you distinguish between premise, evidence and fact. Are all of these synonmyns? And what relationship do these terms have with "consideration".

[piyusht]

Premises are the argument's facts.They are the facts or evidence that support or lead to the conclusion. So not much of difference.

 

In my opinion, evidence is something tht supports the arguement , but facts are something that holds true all the time.

 

An Assumption is also a premise but an unstated one. It is a line of thought based on which the author makes a conclusion. The author’s conclusion is always dependent on an assumption. Conclusions result from the premises and assumptions. The arguments can be convoluted.

[dreamz]

well here are some definitions which can help

 

Principle: something fundamental that we do not question. This would be somewhat stronger than a fact because it is not specific to a limited number of cases but instead, apply to a broader range of scenarios(and often deeper in meaning). For instance, you will not talk about the principle that crime is increasing in large cities. Instead, it is a fact which applies to large cities. However, you will talk about the principles of Physics or the fundamental principles of Human Rights. I believe principles convey a stronger connotation than mere facts.

 

Fact: something taken as true at face value (stats, historical events)

 

Evidence: what is used to support a conclusion (examples, stats, historical events). Although these may include facts, it is usually stronger than facts because they are direct elements needed for the conclusion to stand whereas facts are not necessary for the latter to stand

 

Pre-evidence: This is a bit of a stretch. It will not often be on the test but it seems very similar to "background" information as described below.

 

Background: Elements needed to put the evidence into context but which, as stand alone pieces of information, might not constitute what is called an evidence necessary to arrive at a conclusion. For instance, blood tests performed on one thousand persons may reveal that 35% of those persons were HIV infected. However, the background information could be that the test was performed in more underinformed regions of the world where AIDS knowledge is at a minimum. As you can see, the fact that the test was performed in more underinformed regions is not in and of itself an evidence because it does not allow us to come to a conclusion. Instead, the 35% stats, as a stand-alone piece of info, is what will lead us to the conclusion we want. However, the background info is also crucial and cannot be omitted; it is required background info.

 

Consideration: Something which was taken into account or given some thought before arriving to the conclusion.

 

Premise: This is usually a required statement to arrive at a conclusion. Evidence and facts want to prove something to you whereas premises are there to logically lead you to a conclusion. The best example of premises is the ones included in syllogisms. For instance, you can say that(premise1) when it rains, you go outside. Then, it rains(premise2). You have to be outside(conclusion).

 

Assumption: Unstated information which will link the argument to a logical conclusion. Without this, the argument falls apart.

 

Conclusion: Self-explanatory

 

Inference: Something that might not be explicitly stated or proved. For instance, you may say that 95% of GMAT test-takers have over 340. We can reasonably infer that Anthony will get more than 340 on his GMAT based on the fact given. I think the main difference b/w an inference and a conclusion is that the former might not be the final line of an argument. For instance, there could be facts/evidence given, an inference in b/w, and then the conclusion. An inference can be an intermediate step before the conclusion which will sum up the whole passage. Also, a conclusion seems to be stronger because it is based on stronger facts/evidence.

[rd_eastbay]

Excellent compilation 'dreamz'.

[dreamz]

Thanks, rd_eastbay. It has been compiled from TM itself

[tictaktoe]

reviving this old post looking at the BOLFACE questions that are coming up.

[ramanathansankar]

Thanks tictaktoe. That is a lot of help.

[SubZero]

Thanks Piyush for the link and dreamz for the excellent compilation.

[tictaktoe]

reviving this old post looking at the BOLFACE questions that are coming up.

doing it again :D

[TaTum]

Excellent! Thank dreamz for your great explanation!