What is the difference between an assumption and an inference in Watson Glaser?

An inference is a conclusion you draw from evidence presented in a passage. An assumption is a hidden premise — something the speaker takes for granted without stating it — that their statement depends upon. The Inference section asks how justified a conclusion is given evidence. The Assumptions section asks whether a specific unstated belief is necessary for the statement to hold.

How do I know if an assumption is truly 'Made'?

Apply the Must Test: ask whether the assumption must be true for the statement to be logical. If the statement would collapse or become nonsensical without this assumption, it is Made. If the statement could still stand even if the assumption were false, it is Not Made — regardless of how plausible or related the assumption seems.

Why are most assumptions 'Not Made'?

The test is designed to assess critical thinking by including many plausible-but-unnecessary assumptions. Most proposed assumptions are related to the statement's topic but are not actually required by its logic. This forces test-takers to distinguish between what sounds relevant and what is truly necessary. Expecting most to be Not Made helps prevent over-marking.

Can something be true in real life but 'Not Made' in Watson Glaser?

Yes, and this is one of the most common traps. The test does not ask whether the assumption is factually accurate or sensible in the real world. It asks whether the statement's own logic depends on it. An assumption can be universally accepted as true and still be Not Made if the statement doesn't require it to function.

How should I approach an assumption that seems to restate the statement?

If the proposed assumption essentially restates the statement's conclusion or recommendation, it is Not Made. Assumptions underlie a statement — they are not the same thing as the statement itself. A recommendation to take action X does not assume that X should be done — that's what it asserts. Look for the hidden premise that makes the assertion possible, not a mirror of the assertion.

How many questions are in the Assumptions section and how does it affect my score?

The Assumptions section contains approximately 8 questions per test form, equal in weight to the other four sections. It is generally considered the second most difficult section after Evaluation of Arguments. Because all sections are weighted equally, strong performance here can meaningfully improve your overall Watson Glaser score and percentile ranking.

Watson Glaser Recognition of Assumptions: Made vs Not Made Explained

Master the Watson Glaser Recognition of Assumptions section. Learn what Made vs Not Made means, how to spot necessary assumptions, and avoid common traps.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal By Dr. Lisa PatelApr 19, 20263 min read

Watson Glaser Recognition of Assumptions: Made vs Not Made Explained

Assumptions Section at a Glance

What It Tests

Section: Recognition of Assumptions
Answer choices: Made / Not Made
Questions: ~8 per form

Key Rule

Ask yourself: Must this be true for the statement to work?
Not: Could this possibly be true?
Tip: Most assumptions are NOT Made

Common Traps

Trap 1: Assumption seems related but isn't necessary
Trap 2: Assumption is true in real life but not required here
Fix: Stay strictly in the statement's logic

Scoring

Weight: Equal to other 4 sections
Difficulty: High — second hardest section
Preparation: Deliberate practice required

Diagram showing how assumptions underlie statements in Watson Glaser test

The Must Test

Common traps in Watson Glaser Recognition of Assumptions section

Read the full statement carefully — identify the main claim or recommendationAsk: what must the speaker believe for this statement to stand?Read the proposed assumption without biasApply the Must Test: if this were false, does the statement collapse?Check for the Plausibility Trap — is this merely likely, not necessary?Check for the Relevance Trap — is this related but not required?Check for the Specificity Trap — is this more extreme than what the statement needs?Mark Made only if the statement truly depends on this assumption

Practice Assumptions Questions Now

Watson Glaser Assumption Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Lisa PatelEdD, MA Education, Certified Test Prep Specialist

Educational Psychologist & Academic Test Preparation Expert

Columbia University Teachers College

Dr. Lisa Patel holds a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teachers College and has spent 17 years researching standardized test design and academic assessment. She has developed preparation programs for SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, UCAT, and numerous professional licensing exams, helping students of all backgrounds achieve their target scores.