Critical Reasoning: Assumption Questions

John is married to Jane. Therefore, John loves Jane.

The argument above is based on which of the following assumptions?

Well done!

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This answer choice correctly connects the premise (marriage) to the conclusion (love). If the author assumed people marry those they love, then it is clear why the author drew the conclusion that John loves Jane, based on the fact that they are married.

Incorrect.

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The fact that John was married before is completely irrelevant to the conclusion drawn by the author (that John loves Jane) and therefore does not help explain the assumption.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice presents a new premise. It is irrelevant whether this new data supports the conclusion; what you are looking for is the assumption, which should explain how the author drew the conclusion based on the existing premise.

Incorrect.

The fact that Jane loves John is completely irrelevant to the conclusion drawn by the author (that John loves Jane) and therefore does not help to explain the assumption.

Did you choose this answer because you thought that since it is the opposite of the next answer choice, one of them must be the correct answer?

Incorrect.

The fact Jane does not love John is completely irrelevant to the conclusion drawn by the author (that John loves Jane) and therefore does not help to explain the assumption.

Did you choose this answer because you thought that since it is the opposite of the answer choice above it, one of them must be the correct answer?

Beware of making this sort of meta-assumptions about GMAT questions. The GMAC question writers intentionally design their questions and answer choices to play on your misconceptions. Judge each CR question based on the information provided.

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John fell in love with Jane when he first met her.
People marry people they love.
Jane also loves John.
Jane does not love John.
Jane is John's second marriage.
Yes
No
Yes
No

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