I went through every publicly released "Role of a Statement" question I could find—roughly 140 of them—and categorized every correct answer by the structural role it described. The result: 95% of correct answers fall into just seven categories. If you know these seven types cold, you can predict the answer before you even look at the choices.
The 7 Major Answer Types by Frequency
1. Unsupported Premise (~45%)
Nearly half the time, the targeted statement is a premise—a fact or claim offered without further support that directly backs the conclusion. The answer choice will describe it as "evidence for," "a reason given in support of," or "a consideration offered in favor of" the argument's conclusion.
This is the most common answer type, and students underestimate how often it appears. When in doubt, check whether the targeted statement is simply providing evidence. If nothing in the stimulus supports it, and it supports the conclusion, it is an unsupported premise.
2. Intermediate Conclusion (~20%)
About one in five correct answers identifies the targeted statement as an intermediate conclusion—a claim that is both supported by other evidence and used to support the main conclusion. The answer will say something like "a claim that is supported by evidence and that in turn supports the argument's main conclusion."
To spot these, apply the "Why?" test: can you find a reason for the statement in the stimulus? If yes, it is at least partly a conclusion. Then check whether it feeds into a larger claim. If it does both, it is intermediate.
3. Main Conclusion (~12%)
About 12% of the time, the targeted statement is the argument's main conclusion. This is the author's ultimate claim—the one everything else supports. The answer choice will say "the main conclusion of the argument" or "the claim the argument as a whole is designed to establish."
Use the "Because Test" to verify: if every other sentence sounds right after "because" when paired with this sentence, it is the main conclusion.
4. Opposing Viewpoint (~10%)
Roughly 10% of correct answers describe the statement as a position the author disagrees with. The answer will say something like "a claim that the argument calls into question" or "a position the author argues against."
These are especially tricky because students sometimes confuse the opposition for the author's own view. Look for phrases like "some argue," "critics claim," or "it has been suggested" to flag opposing viewpoints.
5. Concession (~6%)
About 6% of the time, the statement is something the author grants to the other side before moving on. The answer will describe it as "a point conceded by the author" or "an acknowledgment that is then countered."
Concessions typically appear right before a "but," "however," or "nevertheless." The author says "yes, this is true" and then pivots to their own argument.
6. General Principle (~5%)
Around 5% of correct answers identify the statement as a general principle or rule that the author either applies to a specific case or uses as the foundation for the argument. The answer will say something like "a generalization used as the basis for the argument."
These tend to be broad, universal-sounding claims ("Anyone who values fairness should...") that the author then applies to the particular situation discussed in the stimulus.
7. Phenomenon / Observation (~2%)
The rarest category: the statement describes a phenomenon or observation that the argument then attempts to explain. The answer will say "a finding the argument seeks to account for" or "an observation that the argument offers an explanation for."
This type is most common in Paradox-adjacent stimuli where the argument's structure is: "Here is a surprising fact. Here is why it happened."
Frequency Summary
| Role | Approximate Frequency |
|---|---|
| Unsupported Premise | ~45% |
| Intermediate Conclusion | ~20% |
| Main Conclusion | ~12% |
| Opposing Viewpoint | ~10% |
| Concession | ~6% |
| General Principle | ~5% |
| Phenomenon / Observation | ~2% |
Bonus: 3 Structural Indicators That Predict the Answer
Indicator 1: Position in the Stimulus
If the targeted statement appears at the very beginning, it is most often a premise, context, or opposition setup. If it appears at the end, it is more likely a conclusion. If it sits in the middle with support both above and below it, suspect an intermediate conclusion.
Indicator 2: Transition Words Around It
Look at the words immediately before and after the statement. "Therefore" or "thus" before it signals a conclusion. "Because" or "since" before it signals a premise. "However" or "but" after it often signals a concession or opposition that is about to be countered.
Indicator 3: The Author's Tone Toward the Statement
Does the author treat the statement as their own view, or as someone else's? If the author distances themselves from it ("Some researchers claim..."), it is likely an opposing viewpoint. If the author embraces it and builds on it, it is a premise or conclusion.
Armed with these seven categories and three indicators, you can approach any Role of a Statement question with a clear framework rather than guesswork. Label the role, match it to the answer type, and move on.