GMAT Focus Edition Practice Test

In critical reasoning, the conclusion is the central claim the author wants you to accept—the final assertion the argument is trying to prove, based on the premises and the evidence provided. It’s the end point the reasoning is building toward, the statement that follows from what’s given and is supported by the data or reasons offered. You’ll often see it signaled by words like therefore, thus, hence, or as a result, indicating what the reader should accept after evaluating the premises.

This is distinct from the initial claim, which is the starting proposition the author takes as given to build the case. It’s also different from the supporting evidence, which are the data, examples, or reasons offered to bolster the claim. A counterargument, on the other hand, is an opposing view presented to challenge the conclusion, not the conclusion itself.

So the statement that best defines the conclusion is the primary claim or final assertion the author is trying to prove.