The systematic approach to solve it:
Understanding the Argument StructureThe argument presents:
Premise: State University uses interviews to eliminate candidates who don't demonstrate sufficient independence
Implicit conclusion: This interview process helps ensure students have the independence needed for success at a large school
Identifying the Logical GapFor any assumption question, we need to find what
must be true for the argument to work. Ask yourself: What's the author taking for granted?
The key gap here: The argument assumes that interviews can actually
measure what they're trying to measure (independence). If interviews couldn't accurately assess independence, then using them for elimination would be meaningless.
Evaluating Answer ChoicesOption A : Admission officers are able to accurately and quickly judge applicants' independence.
✓
CORRECT - This fills the gap perfectly. If officers
couldn't accurately judge independence, the entire interview process would fail at its stated purpose.
Option B : A personal interview can be more important than letters of recommendation.
✗ The argument never compares interviews to other admission tools. This comparison isn't necessary.
Option C Determining if the applicant would be a good fit is the primary goal.
✗ The argument specifically states interviews assess
independence, not general "fit." This contradicts rather than supports the argument.
Option D Using personal interviews guarantees success for the university.
✗ Too extreme. The argument doesn't need to assume
guaranteed success - just that interviews help identify independence.
Option E State University considers interviews much more important than in years past.[/b]
✗ Temporal comparison is irrelevant. The argument is about current practice, not historical changes.
Key Takeaway for Assumption QuestionsUse the
Negation Test: If you negate the correct answer, the argument should fall apart.
Negating (A): "Officers
cannot accurately judge independence" → This destroys the argument because interviews would then be useless for their stated purpose.
Answer: ARemember: In assumption questions, look for the unstated link between evidence and conclusion. The correct answer will be something the author
must believe for their reasoning to be valid.