Hi,

A premise is a stated fact or principle that supports the conclusion. "Evidence" can be used in place of the word premise. All premises must be taken as true.

The conclusion is what the author wants you to believe; it will likely be a recommendation to solve a problem, an interpretation of given evidence, or a disagreement with someone's stated position. The premises are the reasons for the conclusion. In fact, if you ask yourself about the conclusion "why does the author believe this?" the premises will be the answer If you ask that same question about a premise, you will find no answer.

An assumption is, essentially, an unstated premise. Arguments on the GMAT are not air-tight. There is a missing link, either connecting seemingly unrelated terms or filling in a logical gap. Although the author believes the premise to be true, because it is not stated, its absence is the reason the argument is flawed.

Cheers,