Identify Argument
Conclusion
Master the essential GRE Verbal skill of finding the main claim an author is making: the point everything else supports.
What Is an Argument?
On the GRE, an argument is not a disagreement: it is a structured piece of reasoning. Every argument has two fundamental parts: premises (the evidence or reasons) and a conclusion (the claim those reasons support).
Why Finding the Conclusion Matters
Nearly every GRE critical reasoning question depends on your ability to locate the conclusion first. Whether a question asks you to strengthen, weaken, or evaluate an argument, you cannot answer correctly unless you know what the author is ultimately claiming.
Anatomy of an Argument
Signal Words for Conclusions
Authors often (but not always) mark their conclusion with indicator words. These words signal that the statement following them is the main claim:
Conclusion vs. Premise
| Conclusion | Premise | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | The claim being argued for | Evidence supporting the claim |
| Depends on | Premises to be convincing | Nothing else in the argument |
| Test question | "What is the author trying to prove?" | "Why does the author believe that?" |
| Remove it | Argument has no point | Conclusion loses support |
| Typical signals | Therefore, thus, hence | Because, since, given that |
The "Therefore" Test
When no indicator words are present, use this powerful technique: try inserting "therefore" before each sentence. The sentence that sounds most natural after "therefore" is likely the conclusion.
How to Find the Conclusion: 4 Steps
Worked Example 1
Worked Example 2: No Indicator Words
No indicator words here. Apply the "Therefore" Test to each sentence:
Worked Example 3: Conclusion in the Middle
Trap alert: the conclusion does not have to be the last sentence. Here, "Clearly" signals the conclusion is the second sentence. The first and third sentences are both premises supporting it.
Tricky Case: Intermediate Conclusions
Some arguments have more than one conclusion. An intermediate conclusion is a claim supported by premises that itself serves as a premise for a larger, main conclusion. The GRE usually asks for the main conclusion.
Conclusion vs. Inference
Students often confuse these terms. On the GRE, they are different question types with different strategies:
| Find the Conclusion | Draw an Inference | |
|---|---|---|
| Task | Identify the author's stated claim | Figure out what must be true based on the passage |
| Where to look | Explicitly stated in the argument | Implied but not directly stated |
| Strategy | Use indicator words, "Therefore" Test | Combine stated facts to derive a new claim |
| Typical stem | "Which of the following best expresses the main conclusion?" | "Which can be properly inferred?" |
Common Mistakes
Quick Reference Summary
| Strategy | When to Use | Key Question |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator Words | First pass on every argument | "Is there a therefore, thus, hence?" |
| "Therefore" Test | When no indicator words exist | "Which sentence fits after therefore?" |
| Support Direction | When two claims compete | "Which claim supports the other?" |
| Scope Check | When intermediate conclusions appear | "Which claim is broadest?" |
Question 1 of 5
"Exposure to classical music has been shown to improve spatial reasoning in children. Schools that have cut music programs have seen a decline in standardized math scores. Therefore, restoring music education is essential for improving academic performance."
Which of the following best expresses the main conclusion of this argument?
Question 2 of 5
"The new downtown bus route has reduced commute times by 15 minutes for riders in the eastern corridor. Ridership on that route has increased by 30% since its introduction. The transit authority's decision to add the route was clearly justified."
Which statement is the conclusion of the argument?
Question 3 of 5
"Remote work arrangements have become increasingly common. Employees report higher satisfaction levels when working from home. Commuting costs have dropped significantly for remote workers. Companies that adopt flexible work policies will attract better talent in the coming decade."
There are no explicit indicator words in this argument. What is the main conclusion?
Question 4 of 5
"Since the introduction of ride-sharing apps, taxi revenues in major cities have fallen by nearly 40%. Many experienced taxi drivers have left the profession. Ride-sharing has fundamentally disrupted the urban transportation market. As a result, cities must update their transportation regulations to reflect the new reality."
This argument contains an intermediate conclusion. Which statement is the main conclusion?
Question 5 of 5
"Researchers found that participants who slept fewer than six hours per night made 20% more errors on cognitive tasks than those who slept eight hours. Furthermore, sleep-deprived participants showed reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that adequate sleep is critical for optimal cognitive function."
The phrase "These findings suggest that" plays which role in the argument?