Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the

Question

Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the study of hidden or mythological animals such as the Yeti or the unicorn. However, cryptozoologists use methods more akin to the field of zoology to seek evidence as to the existence of such creatures, rather than study the legends formed around the creatures in human societies. Therefore, cryptozoology should not be classified as a branch of folklore studies.

The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

A. Unequivocal proof of the existence of the Yeti and the unicorn has been found.

B. Cryptozoology is studied in prestigious universities all over the world.

C. Folklorists investigate the legends themselves rather than try to prove them to be real.

D. Some cryptozoologists are acclaimed anthropologists and folklorists.

E. Folklorists often shy away from fieldwork.

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Sketchitesh · Answer

Conclusion: " cryptozoology should not be classified as a branch of folklore studies."

Fact: Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the study of hidden or mythological animals such as the Yeti or the unicorn
 
Premise: However, cryptozoologists use methods more akin to the field of zoology to seek  evidence as to the existence of such creatures ,  rather than study the legends  formed around the creatures in human societies.
Folklore studies -> Study the legends

Cryptozoology doesn't study the legends -> Seeking Evidence of Existence -> should not classified as folklore studies

When doing assumtion type, we try the negation method and eliminate.  
 "  Bold  " are used for negation below  
 
A. Unequivocal proof of the existence of the Yeti and the unicorn has  "not"  been found. 
  crptozoologists can still seek evidence and not study the legends. Conclusion can stay valid.   Eliminate  
 
B. Cryptozoology is  "not"  studied in prestigious universities all over the world. Irrelevant to conclusion.  "Eliminate"

C. Folklorists  "don't"  investigate the legends themselves rather  "they"   than  try to prove them to be real.  
 If Folklorists also try to prove the legends real then our conclusion falls apart.  Keeps C

D. No cryptozoologists are acclaimed anthropologists and folklorists. Supports the conclusion.  "Eliminate"
 
E. Folklorists  "never"  shy away from fieldwork.  Irrelevant. Eliminate

"C is correct"

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bhargavhhhhhhhh · Answer

Conclusion: 
Cryptozoology should not be classified as folklore studies 
Reason: 
It uses zoological methods to seek evidence of creatures, rather than studying the legends about them.

To strengthen this conclusion, we need an assumption that **distinguishes the methods or goals of folklore studies from those of cryptozoology**.

Evaluate choices:

A. Unequivocal proof has been found → Irrelevant; the argument is about classification based on method, not whether creatures are real. 
B. Studied in prestigious universities → Irrelevant to how it's classified. 
C. Folklorists investigate legends, not their truth → Yes, this supports the distinction: folklore studies focus on myths; cryptozoologists focus on physical evidence. 
D. Some cryptozoologists are folklorists → Weakens the distinction → Not a valid assumption. 
E. Folklorists avoid fieldwork → May support a difference in method, but not central to the classification logic.

Correct assumption that supports the conclusion: 
C. Folklorists investigate the legends themselves rather than try to prove them to be real.

Answer: C

Abhiswarup · Answer

The passage says Cryptozoology should not be branch of Folklore studies as Cryptozoologist tends to find evidence for the mythological animals and they don't study legends formed around these creatures.

Option C is best suited as it says Folklorists investigates don't try to prove them they are real which in this case cryptozoologists are trying to find evidence of mythological animals i.e. trying to prove they are real. Thus, the conclusion of the passage.

C is the answer.

NextstopISB · Answer

Sure! Here's the explanation and answer analysis formatted in a GMAT Club–friendly codebox:

Argument:
Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the study of hidden or mythological animals such as the Yeti or the unicorn. However, cryptozoologists use methods more akin to the field of zoology to seek evidence as to the existence of such creatures, rather than study the legends formed around the creatures in human societies. Therefore, cryptozoology should not be classified as a branch of folklore studies.

Question:
The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

Type: Assumption (Necessary Assumption)

Premise:
- Cryptozoologists use methods of zoology to search for evidence of these creatures.
- They do *not* focus on the legends or myths in human societies.

Conclusion:
- Therefore, cryptozoology should not be classified as folklore studies.

We’re looking for a necessary assumption — something that *must be true* for the conclusion to logically follow.

Let’s evaluate each option:

(A) Unequivocal proof of the existence of the Yeti and the unicorn has been found. 
→ Not necessary. The conclusion is about *how* the study is done, not whether the creatures exist. 
→ Eliminate.

(B) Cryptozoology is studied in prestigious universities all over the world. 
→ Irrelevant to classification under folklore studies. 
→ Eliminate.

(C) Folklorists investigate the legends themselves rather than try to prove them to be real. 
→ YES. This supports the distinction made in the argument. 
→ If folklorists *only* study legends, and cryptozoologists don’t, then cryptozoology doesn’t fit under folklore. 
→ If this were false, the conclusion wouldn't hold. 
→ This is a necessary assumption.

(D) Some cryptozoologists are acclaimed anthropologists and folklorists. 
→ This weakens the distinction being made. And even if true, it doesn’t affect the method used in cryptozoology as a field. 
→ Eliminate.

(E) Folklorists often shy away from fieldwork. 
→ Irrelevant. The argument doesn’t mention anything about fieldwork avoidance. 
→ Eliminate.

Answer: (C)

Dereno · Answer

The passage mentions that -  CRYPTOZOOLOGY   is considered as a branch of folklore studies.  It further states that cryptozoology deals with the study of   hidden or mythological animals (yeti,unicorn).

However     , cryptozoologists      use methods more akin      to the field of zoology      to seek evidence      as to the existence of such creatures,      rather than study      the legends formed around the creatures in human societies

The above highlighted text mentions the key differences between crypto zoologists and folklore studies.

The methodology of cryptozoology  even though being a branch of folklore   seeks evidence and uses methods MORE SIMILAR TO ZOOLOGY to seek such evidences.

Another key element is, folklore focal point is centred around the legend, But, cryptozoologist focuses primarily on  existence of such hidden or mythological creatures ( yeti , unicorn).

The conclusion is : Cryptozoology should NOT be considered as a Branch of folklore studies.

The assumption which is in line with the conclusion and question stem is  Option C

C. Folklorists investigate the legends themselves rather than try to prove them to be real.

Bunuel · Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the study of hidden or mythological animals such as the Yeti or the unicorn. However, cryptozoologists use methods more akin to the field of zoology to seek evidence as to the existence of such creatures, rather than study the legends formed around the creatures in human societies. Therefore, cryptozoology should not be classified as a branch of folklore studies.

The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

A. Unequivocal proof of the existence of the Yeti and the unicorn has been found.

Incorrect.

To solve this Assumption question, first break down the argument. Sentences 1 and 2 are factual, so they are the premises, while sentence 3 includes a conclusion conjunction (therefore) and a recommendation (should) so it's the conclusion.

Now ask yourself: the author believes cryptozoology is not a branch of folklore because it uses biological methods to find evidence for mythical beasts rather then focusing on the legends. What, then, is the missing link? What must the author assume for this argument to stand?

Whether proof of the existence of mythological beasts was found or not is irrelevant, as it does not explain how the author got to the conclusion.

B. Cryptozoology is studied in prestigious universities all over the world.

Incorrect.

To solve this Assumption question, first break down the argument. Sentences 1 and 2 are factual, so they are the premises, while sentence 3 includes a conclusion conjunction (therefore) and a recommendation (should) so it's the conclusion.

Now ask yourself: the author believes cryptozoology is not a branch of folklore because it uses biological methods to find evidence for mythical beasts rather then focusing on the legends. What, then, is the missing link? What must the author assume for this argument to stand?

Whether cryptozoology is studied in top universities is irrelevant, as it does not explain how the author got to the conclusion.

C. Folklorists investigate the legends themselves rather than try to prove them to be real.

The author's basic assumption is that folklorists by definition do not try to prove legends to be real. Otherwise there should be no problem with cryptozoology being considered a branch of folklore studies.

D. Some cryptozoologists are acclaimed anthropologists and folklorists.

Incorrect.

To solve this Assumption question, first break down the argument. Sentences 1 and 2 are factual, so they are the premises, while sentence 3 includes a conclusion conjunction (therefore) and a recommendation (should) so it's the conclusion.

Now ask yourself: the author believes cryptozoology is not a branch of folklore because it uses biological methods to find evidence for mythical beasts rather then focusing on the legends. What, then, is the missing link? What must the author assume for this argument to stand?

The tone of the argument, as seen in the conclusion, is against grouping together cryptozoologists and folklorists. This answer choice can be eliminated based on its tone, which is in favor of such grouping; it cannot be the underlying assumption if it contradicts the argument.

E. Folklorists often shy away from fieldwork.

Incorrect.

The argument did not classify either the methods of zoology or those of folklore as fieldwork, so this answer choice is irrelevant - it does not explain how the author got to the conclusion from the existing premises.

Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the

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Often considered a branch of folklore studies, cryptozoology is the

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