Question 1
Proposed assumptionSome warehouse staff understand Polish or Romanian better than the language the leaflet is in now.
Watson Glaser assumptions
A statement, then proposed assumptions. Decide whether the speaker takes each one for granted.
| Questions in the test | 12 of 40 |
|---|---|
| Answers | Assumption made, assumption not made |
| The test | Deny it: does the statement still make sense? |
| Time | About 45 seconds a question |
The denial test
Imagine the proposed assumption is false. If the statement then falls apart, the assumption is made. If the statement still stands, it is not made, however reasonable the assumption sounds.
Where marks go
- Picking assumptions that are true rather than ones the speaker needs.
- Treating "some" as "most": a policy for a group does not need that group to be a majority.
- Missing that "if we can" sets a condition without assuming it is met.
Try 5 questions
We should translate our safety leaflet into Polish and Romanian, so that more of our warehouse staff can understand it.
Question 2
Proposed assumptionMost warehouse staff speak Polish or Romanian.
Question 3
Proposed assumptionIt is worth having more warehouse staff understand the safety leaflet.
Question 4
Proposed assumptionThe leaflet is currently available only in English.
Question 5
Proposed assumptionTranslating the leaflet will cost less than running safety training.
Next step
Questions people ask
Does an assumption have to be true?
No. You are judging whether the speaker takes it for granted, not whether it is true.
How many assumption questions are there?
Twelve of the 40 in the usual test, the joint largest part with evaluation of arguments.
What is the quickest method?
Deny the proposed assumption and reread the statement. If it no longer holds together, the assumption is made.