Analyzing Assumptions AP Language & Composition

Use Commentary to achieve sophistication

• Discuss assumptions

  • Arguments consist of claims and the evidence used to support it.

  • Often, what lies between a claim and its evidence are assumptions.

  • An assumption is the understanding that exists between the speaker and the audience.

  • Some assumptions don’t require explanation or support.

Analyzing Assumptions

• Identify the assumptions underlying this claim

  • Early start times for American high schools show that convenience and cost are more important concerns than the health and academic growth of our students. 

Analyzing Assumptions

The assumptions underlying this claim 

• This statement assumes that people would naturally prioritize the health and academic success of young people over the convenience or cost to the community and that doing the reverse would be an irresponsible choice.

• Taking this statement as truth also means accepting that convenience and cost are the only two reasons schools start early; the assumption here is that readers will not question whether other factors are in play.

• Finally, the writer assumes that readers will agree about the fundamental value of education and even the definition of the term “early.” 

​Early start times for American high schools show that convenience and cost are more important concerns than the health and academic growth of our students.

Advice: Assumptions

• While writing, ask yourself “What am I assuming here?”

• If the assumption is one that you feel confident your audience will accept, you can keep moving forward with your line of reasoning.

• However, if you catch yourself wondering whether people will doubt your claim, you’ve identified an idea that may warrant more explanation and evidence.