You are viewing a free preview of this lesson.
Subscribe to unlock all 10 lessons in this course and every other course on LearningBro.
One of the most frequently tested distinctions in LNAT Section A is the difference between evidence and assertion. Authors use both to build their arguments, but they have fundamentally different logical status. Evidence can be verified; assertions cannot (or at least, not without further evidence). LNAT questions regularly ask you to identify which parts of a passage are supported by evidence and which are simply asserted — and to understand the implications for the argument's strength.
| Concept | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | A claim that is supported by data, research, documented facts, or verifiable observation | "A 2022 study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that the poorest 20% of households spend a larger proportion of their income on energy than the wealthiest 20%." |
| Assertion | A claim that is stated without supporting evidence — the author expects you to accept it on the basis of their authority, common sense, or persuasion | "The energy market is fundamentally broken." |
Evidence provides a reason to believe a claim that is independent of the author's opinion. Assertion relies on the author's credibility, rhetorical skill, or the reader's willingness to accept the claim at face value.
LNAT Principle: An argument built on evidence is stronger than one built on assertion — but even evidence-based arguments can be flawed if the evidence is misinterpreted, selective, or insufficient.
| Type | Description | Example | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistical data | Numerical claims from research or official sources | "67% of respondents said..." | Strong, if the source is reliable and the data is relevant |
| Research findings | Results from academic studies or investigations | "A randomised controlled trial found that..." | Strong, especially if replicated |
| Historical facts | Documented events or trends | "The UK abolished the death penalty in 1965." | Strong — verifiable |
| Expert opinion | Views of qualified specialists | "Leading economists argue that..." | Moderate — depends on the expert's credibility and relevance |
| Specific examples | Named cases, events, or instances | "In 2020, the Windrush scandal revealed..." | Moderate — a single example does not prove a general trend |
| Comparative evidence | Data from other countries or contexts | "Countries that have adopted PR systems, such as Germany and New Zealand, show higher voter satisfaction." | Moderate — depends on comparability |
| Type | Description | Example | How to Recognise It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value judgement | A claim about what is right, wrong, good, or bad | "This is a moral outrage." | Evaluative language with no supporting data |
| Generalisation | A broad claim without evidence | "Everyone knows that the system is broken." | Sweeping language, no specifics |
| Prediction | A claim about what will happen | "Without reform, the system will collapse." | Future-oriented, often speculative |
| Rhetorical claim | A statement designed for persuasive effect | "No civilised society can tolerate this." | Appeals to values or emotions |
| Assumption | A claim taken for granted without argument | "Economic growth is the primary measure of a successful society." | Stated as though self-evident |
Ask: "Could I verify this claim independently?"
"The UK prison population is 80,000." — Verifiable (check the prison statistics). This is evidence. "The prison system is in crisis." — Not directly verifiable (what counts as a "crisis"?). This is an assertion.
Ask: "Does the author attribute this claim to an external source?"
"Research by the Prison Reform Trust shows that..." — Attributed to an external source. Evidence. "It is clear that the system has failed." — No attribution. Assertion.
Evidence is often accompanied by qualifiers that specify its scope and source. Assertions tend to be sweeping and unqualified.
Subscribe to continue reading
Get full access to this lesson and all 10 lessons in this course.