Necessary

As we discussed in the previous lesson, there are two types of Assumptions seen on LSAT questions: Sufficient Assumptions and Necessary Assumptions. These questions will typically ask to identify and fix the arguments within. So, these can also be referred to as Strengthening/Weakening Questions.

CHALLENGE: Identify the Necessary Assumptions

Necessary Assumption questions have stems phrased in the following ways:

• The argument requires/depends on/relies on the assumption that
• Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument relies/depends?
• Which one of the following is an assumption the argument requires?
• The argument requires/depends on/relies on assuming which one of the following?

Notice that Necessary Assumption questions always contain a word that means necessary or required, while Sufficient Assumption questions ask for a guarantee that the conclusion will be reached.