Mastering Syllogism in Reasoning
Mastering Syllogism in Reasoning: 20 Unique Examples with Explanations
Syllogism is an essential part of logical reasoning in various competitive exams like SSC CGL, Bank PO, and UPSC. It involves deductive reasoning where conclusions are drawn from given statements. Understanding syllogism helps in developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. In this blog, we will explore 20 unique syllogism questions along with explanations.
Basic Rules of Syllogism
All A are B – This means every element of A belongs to B.
Some A are B – This means at least one A is B.
No A is B – This means A and B are completely separate.
Some A are not B – This means at least one A does not belong to B.
Let’s dive into the questions and their detailed explanations:
20 Unique Syllogism Questions
1. Basic Concept
Statements:
All cats are animals.
Some animals are dogs.
Conclusion:
A) Some cats are dogs.
B) All dogs are animals.
Answer: Only B follows. (Cats and dogs are not directly related.)
2. Negative Conclusion
Statements:
No apple is banana.
Some bananas are mangoes.
Conclusion:
A) No apple is mango.
B) Some mangoes are not apples.
Answer: Only B follows.
3. Possibility Case
Statements:
Some chairs are tables.
All tables are wood.
Conclusion:
A) Some chairs may be wood.
B) All wood are tables.
Answer: Only A follows.
4. Universal Affirmative
Statements:
All students are smart.
All smart people are intelligent.
Conclusion:
A) Some students are intelligent.
B) All students are intelligent.
Answer: Both A and B follow.
5. Reverse Statement
Statements:
Some roses are flowers.
All flowers are beautiful.
Conclusion:
A) Some beautiful things are roses.
B) No rose is beautiful.
Answer: Only A follows.
6. Contradictory Conclusion
Statements:
Some birds are sparrows.
No sparrow is crow.
Conclusion:
A) Some birds are not crows.
B) Some crows are birds.
Answer: Only A follows.
7. Inference-Based Question
Statements:
All men are human.
Some humans are scientists.
Conclusion:
A) Some scientists are men.
B) All scientists are men.
Answer: No conclusion follows.
8. Either-Or Case
Statements:
Some dogs are cats.
No cat is an elephant.
Conclusion:
A) Some dogs are not elephants.
B) Some elephants are dogs.
Answer: Either A or B follows.
9. Conflicting Statements
Statements:
All teachers are educated.
Some educated people are not teachers.
Conclusion:
A) Some teachers are not educated.
B) Some educated people are teachers.
Answer: Only B follows.
10. Real-Life Application
Statements:
All doctors are professionals.
Some professionals are engineers.
Conclusion:
A) Some engineers are doctors.
B) Some professionals may be doctors.
Answer: Only B follows.
11. Inclusion Relationship
Statements:
Some books are novels.
All novels are fiction.
Conclusion:
A) Some books are fiction.
B) All fiction are books.
Answer: Only A follows.
12. Direct Negation
Statements:
No fish is an amphibian.
Some amphibians are reptiles.
Conclusion:
A) Some fish are reptiles.
B) No reptile is a fish.
Answer: Only B follows.
13. Mutual Exclusivity
Statements:
Some actors are singers.
No singer is a dancer.
Conclusion:
A) Some actors are not dancers.
B) All dancers are actors.
Answer: Only A follows.
14. Combination Case
Statements:
All squares are rectangles.
Some rectangles are circles.
Conclusion:
A) Some squares are circles.
B) All circles are rectangles.
Answer: No conclusion follows.
15. Contradictory Possibility
Statements:
Some pencils are pens.
No pen is an eraser.
Conclusion:
A) Some pencils are not erasers.
B) Some erasers are pencils.
Answer: Only A follows.
16. Specific Grouping
Statements:
All scientists are researchers.
Some researchers are teachers.
Conclusion:
A) Some scientists may be teachers.
B) No teacher is a scientist.
Answer: Only A follows.
17. Hierarchical Classification
Statements:
Some mammals are carnivores.
All carnivores are animals.
Conclusion:
A) Some mammals are animals.
B) Some animals are mammals.
Answer: Both A and B follow.
18. Abstract Relationship
Statements:
Some beliefs are traditions.
All traditions are cultural.
Conclusion:
A) Some beliefs are cultural.
B) All cultural things are traditions.
Answer: Only A follows.
19. Definite vs Indefinite
Statements:
No flower is a tree.
Some trees are plants.
Conclusion:
A) No flower is a plant.
B) Some plants are trees.
Answer: Only B follows.
20. Overlapping Sets
Statements:
All squares are polygons.
Some polygons are triangles.
Conclusion:
A) Some triangles are squares.
B) Some polygons are squares.
Answer: Only B follows.
Conclusion
Understanding syllogism is key to scoring well in reasoning sections of competitive exams. By practicing different types of syllogism questions, you can improve your logical thinking and enhance problem-solving abilities. Keep practicing and master the art of logical deduction!