Understanding UCAT Decision Making Assumption Questions 🤔

Assumption questions require you to identify what unstated belief or piece of information must be true for an argument or statement to hold. These are not explicitly mentioned but are necessary for the reasoning to work.

Consider the assumption as the bridge 🌉 connecting the argument to its conclusion. Without it, the argument falls apart!

Step-by-Step Approach to UCAT Decision Making Assumption Questions 🧗‍♀️

1. Identify the Argument 🕵️‍♂️

Carefully read the passage and break it into two key parts:

Premises: The evidence or facts provided. 📝
Conclusion: The statement the author wants you to believe. ✅

💡 Tip: Highlight or mentally underline the conclusion—it’s often found at the end of the argument.

2. Spot the Gap 🔍

Ask yourself:

"What is missing for the premise to support the conclusion?"
"What must be true for this conclusion to follow logically?"

This missing piece is the assumption! 🚪
Think of it like filling in a blank: Premise ➡️ [Assumption] ➡️ Conclusion.

3. Use the Negation Test 🚫

To confirm your choice:

Assume the assumption is false.
If the argument falls apart and the conclusion no longer works, you've found the assumption! 💥

This test ensures you pick a necessary assumption, not just a fact, that strengthens the argument.

4. Avoid Common Traps 🪤

Irrelevant Information: Details that aren’t directly tied to the argument. 🚫
Too Extreme: Assumptions that go beyond what’s necessary. 🌋
Reworded Premises: Restating what’s already given isn’t an assumption. 🔄

Practice UCAT Decision Making Assumption Example 📚

UCAT Decision Making Assumption Question:

All cats 🐱 in the neighbourhood are friendly because every cat seen so far has been playful with humans.

What is the assumption?

Every cat in the neighbourhood has been observed.
Friendly cats are always playful with humans.
Some cats in the neighbourhood are not friendly.
Cats are playful due to their friendliness.

Solution:

Premise: Cats seen so far are playful with humans.
Conclusion: Therefore, all neighbourhood cats are friendly.
Assumption: To make this leap, we must assume every cat has been observed (Option 1). Without this, there’s no basis for claiming that all are friendly.

Negating Option 1 (“Not every cat has been observed”) breaks the argument, confirming it’s the assumption. ✅

Top Tips for UCAT Decision Making Assumption Success 🌟

1. Stay Calm and Logical 🧘‍♀️

Don’t overthink! Stick to the premise and conclusion.

2. Practice Negation 🔁

This is your most reliable tool for finding assumptions quickly and accurately.

3. Manage Your Time ⏳

Avoid spending too long on one question—recognise when to move on.

4. Review Common Assumption Patterns 🔄

Cause and Effect: Does the argument assume a specific cause?
Generalisations: Does it assume all cases are like the example?
Comparisons: Does it assume two things are equivalent?

Visual Mnemonic for UCAT Assumption Questions 🎨

A: Analyze the Argument 🕵️
S: Spot the Gap 🕳️
S: Simplify with Negation ❌
U: Uncover Traps 🪤
M: Match the Right Answer ✅
E: Eliminate Wrong Choices 🚮

🚀 Final Thoughts on UCAT Assumption

Practising assumption questions regularly will help you build confidence and speed. Incorporate these steps into your UCAT prep, and you’ll be ready to tackle this question type like a pro! 💪

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