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What is Critical Reasoning?

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As mentioned above, Reasoning in Critical Thinking or Critical Reasoning is all about  identifying, analysing and solving problems systematically. Some of the important chapters of critical reasoning are Statement and ArgumentStatement and AssumptionStatement and ConclusionStatement and Course of ActionCause and Effects and so on. Now that we understand the critical reasoning meaning, let us look at  various types of critical reasoning below. 

Types of Critical Reasoning 

Let us see the various types of Critical Reasoning questions that may come up in your competitive exams. Let’s take a look at them one by one: 

1. Statement & Argument 

In these type of critical reasoning questions, a series of statements in which a certain point of view is put up, expressing different opinions for or against something. Candidates need to choose the correct argument from the given one. 

2. Statement & Assumption 

In these critical thinking reasoning questions, by reading the given statements, candidates need to take the right decision. Here taking the right decision means selecting the correct assumption. 

3. Statement & Conclusion 

In these type of critical reasoning questions, passage or statements will be given followed by some conclusions. Candidates need to take decisions based on these statements and select the correct conclusion from the given ones. 

4. Statement & Course of Action 

In these type of critical thinking reasoning questions, a situation will be given as a statement and some probable course of actions will be given in the context of that situation. Candidates will be asked to determine, which of them should be followed based on the given statement or event. 

5. Cause & Effect 

In these type of critical reasoning questions, two statements will be provided, and candidates need to decide whether the statements given are independent causes or effects of independent cause, or is it simply a common cause. 

Check details on Venn Diagrams

How to Solve Critical Reasoning Questions– Know all Tips and Tricks

Candidates can find various tips and critical reasoning tricks from below for solving questions in different competitive exams.

Tip # 1: Simplify the language of the given critical reasoning question. We know that the shortest, simplest answer often is the best answer. Examiners will frame the sentences in the most confusing way possible. If candidates can simplify the language the test makers use, it can make their job easier.

Tip # 2: Try to use your own words as much as possible.  The easiest way to simply anything is to express it using your own words. Make short notes and summarize the given question to make the passage easier to understand. 

Tip # 3: Understand what is being asked. Practice mock tests as much as possible to get well versed with all critical reasoning topics and their question patterns to score well in the critical reasoning section.

Sample Critical Reasoning Questions

Statement & Argument:

Question 1:

Statement: “All citizens above the age of 18 should be allowed to vote in the elections.”

Argument: “Lowering the voting age to 16 will encourage political awareness and participation among the youth.”

Is the argument valid based on the statement?

A) Yes, the argument is valid.

B) No, the argument is not valid.

Answer:

B) No, the argument is not valid.

Explanation:

The argument introduces a new idea of lowering the voting age to 16, which is not directly supported by the statement. The statement only talks about citizens above the age of 18 being allowed to vote, not about lowering the voting age.

Question 2:

Statement: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”

Argument: “Exercise equipment and gym memberships should be made tax-free to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

Is the argument valid based on the statement?

A) Yes, the argument is valid.

B) No, the argument is not valid.

Answer:

A) Yes, the argument is valid.

Explanation:

The argument is directly related to the statement, suggesting a measure (tax exemption) to promote regular exercise, which aligns with the statement’s idea that exercise is essential for good health.

Statement & Assumption:

Question 3:

Statement: “Due to rising pollution levels, the city is facing a health crisis.”

Assumption: “The health crisis is directly caused by pollution.”

Is the assumption implicit in the statement?

A) Yes, the assumption is implicit.

B) No, the assumption is not implicit.

Answer:

A) Yes, the assumption is implicit.

Explanation:

The statement directly links the health crisis to the rising pollution levels, assuming that pollution is the primary cause of the crisis.

Question 4:

Statement: “The workshop on time management is fully booked.”

Assumption: “People are interested in improving their time management skills.”

Is the assumption implicit in the statement?

A) Yes, the assumption is implicit.

B) No, the assumption is not implicit.

Answer:

A) Yes, the assumption is implicit.

Explanation:

The statement implies that people are interested in improving their time management skills as the workshop is fully booked, indicating a demand for such sessions.

Statement & Conclusion:

Question 5:

Statement: “All employees who meet their monthly targets receive a performance bonus.”

Conclusion: “John will receive a performance bonus this month.”

Is the conclusion valid based on the statement?

A) Yes, the conclusion is valid.

B) No, the conclusion is not valid.

Answer:

B) No, the conclusion is not valid.

Explanation:

The statement only establishes a condition for receiving a performance bonus, but it doesn’t provide any information about whether John has met his monthly targets or not. Thus, the conclusion cannot be valid based on the given statement alone.

Question 6:

Statement: “In the last three matches, the cricket team’s star player scored a century.”

Conclusion: “The star player will score a century in the next match as well.”

Is the conclusion valid based on the statement?

A) Yes, the conclusion is valid.

B) No, the conclusion is not valid.

Answer:

B) No, the conclusion is not valid.

Explanation:

The statement provides information about the star player’s performance in the last three matches, but it doesn’t guarantee their performance in the next match. There could be various factors affecting the player’s performance in the upcoming game.

Statement & Course of Action:

Question 7:

Statement: “The river near the village has been contaminated, posing a health risk to the villagers.”

Course of Action: “The authorities should conduct regular water quality tests and implement measures to clean the river.”

Is the course of action appropriate based on the statement?

A) Yes, the course of action is appropriate.

B) No, the course of action is not appropriate.

Answer:

A) Yes, the course of action is appropriate.

Explanation:

The statement identifies a problem (contaminated river) and suggests a feasible course of action (conducting water quality tests and implementing measures to clean the river) to address the issue.

Question 8:

Statement: “The number of road accidents has increased significantly in the city due to speeding.”

Course of Action: “The city should impose heavy fines and penalties on drivers caught speeding.”

Is the course of action appropriate based on the statement?

A) Yes, the course of action is appropriate.

B) No, the course of action is not appropriate.

Answer:

A) Yes, the course of action is appropriate.

Explanation:

The statement highlights the cause of increased road accidents (speeding), and the course of action proposes imposing heavy fines and penalties to deter drivers from speeding and reduce accidents.

Cause & Effect:

Question 9:

Cause: “The heavy rainfall led to flooding in the low-lying areas.”

Effect: “Many residents had to evacuate their homes.”

Is the cause and effect relationship logical?

A) Yes, the cause and effect relationship is logical.

B) No, the cause and effect relationship is not logical.

Answer:

A) Yes, the cause and effect relationship is logical.

Explanation:

The heavy rainfall (cause) led to flooding in the low-lying areas (effect), which subsequently forced residents to evacuate their homes.

Question 10:

Cause: “The team worked diligently on the project.”

Effect: “The project was completed ahead of schedule.”

Is the cause and effect relationship logical?

A) Yes, the cause and effect relationship is logical.

B) No, the cause and effect relationship is not logical.

Answer:

A) Yes, the cause and effect relationship is logical.

Explanation:

The team’s diligent work (cause) resulted in the project’s completion ahead of schedule (effect). Their effort and commitment directly impacted the project’s timeline.

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