Mapping argument structure before reading options

A technique from formal debate that transfers directly to the Reasoning Examination:

Before reading any answer option, spend 3–5 seconds mapping the argument structure of the prompt:

1. Identify the conclusion — what is being claimed.

2. Identify the premises — what evidence supports it.

3. Identify the logical connector — how premises link to conclusion.

4. Identify the gap — what assumption bridges premises to conclusion.

Only then read the options. You are now looking for the option that correctly addresses the gap, not the option that "sounds right."

This slows you down on easy items but dramatically improves accuracy on Band 3+ items where the distractors are designed to exploit pattern-matching shortcuts.