The Negation Test for Assumptions

The negation test is the single most powerful technique for identifying assumptions in LNAT passages. It provides a mechanical, reliable method for checking whether a particular claim is genuinely an assumption of the argument — or merely something the author happens to agree with. Master this test, and assumption questions become significantly more manageable.

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The Principle

If negating a statement destroys the argument, that statement is an assumption of the argument.

Conversely:

If negating a statement leaves the argument intact, that statement is NOT an assumption.

The logic is straightforward: an assumption is something the argument depends on. If you remove it (by assuming its opposite), the argument should collapse. If the argument survives, the statement was not essential.

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How to Apply the Negation Test

Step 1: Identify the Statement to Test

Take the statement you think might be an assumption (often one of the answer options in a question).

Step 2: Negate It

Formulate the opposite of the statement. This does not mean changing it to something extreme — just reversing the core claim.