language learning center · C2 · Lesson 3
Tracing assumptions and consequences
Expose the assumptions carrying an argument and trace how changing one premise alters its downstream conclusions.
Step 1 of 8 — Dialogue
~6 min~45 min total
Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.
Elena
The forecast assumes that lower prices will increase demand enough to offset the smaller margin.
Marcus
Even granting that assumption, the conclusion depends on production scaling without additional delays.
Elena
If capacity is already constrained, the same rise in demand could worsen shortages rather than improve revenue.
Marcus
So the recommendation is sound only under a fairly narrow set of operational conditions.
Understand a natural example and learn a small set of useful words, phrases, and patterns.
These items were selected by the lesson curriculum for practical use—not extracted as an every-word list.
That conclusion rests on the assumption that…
That conclusion rests on the assumption that…
Even granting that assumption,…
Even granting that assumption, the conclusion depends on production scaling without additional delays.
The argument also depends on…
The argument also depends on…
If that condition does not hold,…
If that condition does not hold,…
The claim is sound only insofar as…
The claim is sound only insofar as…
Which response most clearly tests an argument by changing one of its assumptions?
Listen, then choose what you heard.
Write your own sentence using this item.
This is self-practice. It is not automatically scored as correct or incorrect.
Answer in your own words. Record yourself, listen back, and then compare your response with the model answer.
In English, identify two assumptions in a complex recommendation, provisionally grant one, and explain what changes if the other fails.
Choose a prediction or recommendation that affects your work, studies, or community.
Audit a chain of reasoning in English
Daily goal
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Each activity counts once a day. A correct answer, a completed writing task, or a positive speaking reflection counts toward your goal. One activity keeps your streak going.
- 1. That conclusion rests on the assumption that…
- 2. Even granting that assumption,…
- 3. The argument also depends on…
- 4. If that condition does not hold,…
- 5. The claim is sound only insofar as…