Arguments
What an argument assumes, what strengthens or weakens it, and the common flaws. Arguments is tested in the Critical thinking section of the Bocconi Test, which has 9 of the 50 questions (75 minutes in total, 2027/28 format). This guide covers it in 3 lessons, each with the rule that solves it and a diagram.
Hidden assumptions
An assumption is the unstated bridge between evidence and conclusion; look for terms that appear only in the conclusion. Negation test: if negating an option breaks the argument, it is assumed. Causal arguments assume no other cause.
Strengthen and weaken
Take each option as true and ask how it moves the conclusion. Weaken with another cause, a common cause or the effect without the cause; strengthen by ruling those out or showing the mechanism. Do not attack the stated facts.
Common flaws
Correlation taken as cause, hasty generalisation, false dilemma, attacking the person, appeal to popularity, circular reasoning, a necessary condition treated as sufficient. Parallel flaws share a skeleton, not a topic.
What is the Bocconi Test format?
Online Bocconi Test for admission in academic year 2027/28, as published by Università Bocconi.
- Questions / time
- 50 / 75 minutes
- Distribution
- 24 mathematics · 11 reading · 6 numerical reasoning · 9 critical thinking
- Scoring
- +1 correct · 0 blank · −0.2 wrong
- Question languages
- English · Italian
- Three-option questions
- Some critical thinking questions have three options; a wrong answer there costs −0.33
- Minimum score
- Below 17 points the test is not considered for selection
- AI degree
- Mathematical and Computing Sciences for Artificial Intelligence also needs at least 11 of 24 points in mathematics
- Law test
- A separate test, 50 questions / 75 minutes: 5 mathematics · 11 reading · 6 numerical reasoning · 18 logic and critical thinking · 10 verbal reasoning; same scoring
Source: Università Bocconi, Online Bocconi Test page (checked October 7, 2026)
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