Bold face questions-- The cue words that can expose the rela

The correct interpretation of the action words largely brings out the relation between the two bold face statements. It is important to understand the basic tenets of CR passages such as premises, assumption, the conclusion etc; we must also be thorough with what the argument seeks to establish, or seeks to oppose or in effect what direction is the argument is heading on. The primary purpose of the argument or the focus of the passage should be clear in the mind before we get down considering the choices.

The broad classification of the descriptive words is

1) those that are premises or evidence that lead to a conclusion; those that support or oppose a conclusion, unstated premises such as assumptions. These are facts and mostly derive from the present or past. The cue words for this category are since, because, although etc.

those that are conclusions, interim conclusions or final or main conclusions; those that are speculations, judgments, opinions, stance, stands, feelings; These may not be facts and are more in the nature futuristic events and liable to become wrong.

3) words like claim, consideration, position, strategy, policy ,objection undermining, drawback, define, describe which are subjective expressions.


1. Premises words

a finding – a discovery , a revelation
an assumption: -- a non-existing factor, to be drawn to lead to a conclusion, invisible factor; take for granted
Consideration - A factor to be considered in forming a judgment or decision
Evidence - grounds in support of that consideration
Phenomenon – an occurrence, a thing of past or present
the circumstance- context, setting, the atmosphere, a situation
Observation—seeing. the past or the present
Platform – a ground from which something is derived

2. Conclusion words :

a hunch – a premonition that something is likely to occur
a judgment – personal assessment
a prediction, guess, premonition, intuition, instinct
a proposal – a futuristic offer
a recommendation – a futuristic advice
conclusion – What the argument seeks to establish
contrary conclusion – opposite decision
Generalization- a general idea developed from smaller premises, a principle, statement, or idea having general application. Can be both part of a conclusion or an observation
interim conclusion, a minor conclusion leading to the main conclusion
Judgment opinion - thinking , view, estimation
main conclusion - the final conclusion
Opinion, - personal view
Proposal – Proposition, Suggestion
Speculation, -- uncertain, like to happen not a fact

3) descriptive words

a claim – an assertion – averment - insistence
a drawback – a reverse
a policy - guideline, rule
a strategy - modus operandi , a method to reach an aim
an objection – opposition, criticism , undermining argument :

The argument The main point of the topic the text the passage seeks to establish. - the point of the passage supported by the argument
calls that conclusion into question.- doubts, undermines , weakens , disagrees , disputes
challenges (verb) – questions, negates,
to claim - to demand, to maintain
Contends: to controvert or debate; dispute.
Context- platform, opportunity, situation. Scenario
Contrary --Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent criticism
Define: give the meaning of the word, like dictionaries do.
Demonstrate – prove
Describe: give some characteristics of the item defined.
Explain: give reasons why the item is what it is or does what it does; provide more complete information
Evaluate - To ascertain or fix the value or worth of; to examine and judge; weigh carefully; appraise
explanation – giving reasons
identify - recognize, locate,
Illustrate -, explain with examples, to buttress the author’s point
Imply – mean without mentioning
Implications – after effects; side effects
Infer- deduce something from stated facts
In part --- based on one of the premises
in support - to endorse;
in support of the overall position – to agree with the argument
Policy – principle, rule, guideline
potential objection – possible, or implied objection
Presents - to offer for observation, To introduce
presents a situation – provides a platform
provides further evidence – fortifies, reinforces with additional facts
provides support– goes in tandem with the reasoning
questioning – doubting, criticizing, undermining,
supplies a context - provides a ground
support an opposing position – to oppose
that the argument disputes - the argument disapproves, or disputes
the content – the actual wordings or expression
the course - the path
the position A stand taken, one’s thinking ,
to challenge – to question, to criticize .
to support the position – to support some stand
to undermine- weaken, call in to question, raise doubt
an appeal to authority – an automatic acceptance of an expert’s or celebrity’s opinion


While the above is a general idea of the usage of these words in boldface questions, they have to be understood in the special context in which they are presented. Some of them may also be on borderline; So you must use your contextual judgment in such cases.