Required Assumption Question
LSAT glossary · Logical Reasoning
Definition
Recognition: “The argument depends on the assumption that... ” / “Which is an assumption required by the argument?” Task: Find an unstated claim that must be true for the argument’s reasoning to hold.
Required Assumption Question in plain English
A Required Assumption is a hidden belief the argument absolutely needs in order to make sense — if it turned out false, the whole argument collapses. Say someone argues 'Maria trained for months, so she'll win the race'; they're quietly assuming no one else trained harder. That unstated 'no one else is better' is required: knock it out and the conclusion falls apart. Your job on these questions is to find that load-bearing missing piece. A quick test: negate the answer choice (assume it's false) — if the argument breaks, it was truly required.
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