MEPX
Chapter 4 of 10All chapters

Chapter 4 of 10

Inference

Supported, not invented.

The standard

An inference is what the text makes true, not what it makes plausible. If you need outside knowledge or an extra assumption, it is a step too far.

  • Test each option by asking which sentence supports it.
  • Extreme wording, always and never, usually signals a wrong option.

Assumptions

An assumption is an unstated premise the argument needs. Negating it and seeing whether the argument collapses is the standard test.