Shortcuts in Reasoning for Competitive Exams – Statement & Conclusions

Shortcuts in Reasoning for Competitive Exams – Statement & Conclusions

Shortcuts in Reasoning Quantitative Aptitude English

INTRODUCTION

In this type of questions, a statement is given followed by two conclusions. We have to find out which of these conclusions definitely follows from the given statement.

WHAT IS A CONCLUSION’?
‘Conclusion’ means a fact that can be truly inferred from the contents of a given sentence. Conclusion is the art of judging or deciding, based on reasoning.

DIRECTIONS (for Examples 1 to 3):
In each of the following questions, a statement is given followed by two conclusions I and II.
Give answer :

• if only conclusion I follows;
• if only conclusion II follows;
• if either I or II follows;
• if neither I nor II follows;
• if both I and II follows;

EXAMPLE
Statement:
The oceans are a storehouse of practically every mineral including uranium. But like most other minerals, it is found in extremely low concentration – about three gms per 1000 tonnes of water.
Conclusions:

1. The oceans are a cheap source of uranium.
2. The oceans harbour radiation hazards.

Solution:
I can not be concluded as most of the minerals are available in similar concentration levels in oceans.
II is out of context of the sentence.

EXAMPLE:
Statement:
Today, out of the world population of several thousand million, the majority of men have to live under government which refuses them personal liberty and the right to dissent.
Conclusions:

1. People are indifferent to personal liberty and the right to dissent.
2. People desire personal liberty and the right to dissent.

Solution:
It is mentioned in the statement that most people are forced to live under governments which refuse them personal liberty and right to dissent. This means that they are not indifferent to these rights but have a desire for them. So, only II follows.

EXAMPLE
Statement:
It has been decided by the Government to withdraw 33% of the subsidy on cooking gas from the beginning of next month—a spokesman of the Government.
Conclusions:

1. People no more desire or need such subsidy from government as they can afford increased price of the cooking gas.
2. The price of the cooking gas will increase at least by 3 3% from the next month.

Solution:
1 does not follow because a govt’s policy is not determined merely by people’s needs.
2 does not follow. Let the present price be x .
Price if subsidy is removed

Hence increase in price will be around 49%

DIRECTIONS (for Example):
In each of the following questions, a statement is given followed by
two conclusions 1 and 2.
Give answer :

1. if only conclusion I follows;
2. if only conclusion II follows;
3. if either I or II follows;
4. if both I and II follow.
5. if neithter I nor II follows;

EXAMPLE
Statement:
Interest rate will be fixed on the basis of our bank’s rate prevailing on the date of deposit and refixed every quarter thereafter.
Conclusions:

1. It is left to the depositors to guard their interest.
2. The bank’s interest rates are subject to change on a day-to-day basis depending on market position.

Solution:
I does not follow because the statement is silent about the depositors. II follows from the phrase “bank’s rate prevailing on the date of deposit” which means the rates are subject to day-to-day changes.

EXAMPLE
Statement:
The government of country X has recently announced several concessions and offered attractive package tours for foreign visitors.
Conclusions:

1. Now, more number of foreign tourists will visit the country.
2. The government of country X seems to be serious in attracting tourists.

Solution:
Clearly, the government has taken the step to attract more tourists. So, both 1 and 2 follow.

Shortcut Approach
(For a adhere conclusion to follow a i statement must to the following)
GOLDEN RULES

• The conclusion must be in context of the statement. If out of context than it does not follow.
• The conclusion must support the contents of the statement. If it negates than it does not follow.
• The conclusion must be truly inferred. If there is some doubt that it may or may not be correct or truly inferred, than it does not follow.
• The conclusion must not repeat or rephrase the statement. If so, it does not follow.

Now let us apply these rules to the 5 examples solved above.

Example

• Rule 2 applies as it negates the statement.
• Rule 1 applies as it is out of context.

Example

• Rule 2 applies as it negates the statement.
• Fulfils all the conditions in Rule 1-4.

Example

• Rule 1,2 & 4 follow but 3 does not as there can be various reasons to withdraw subsidy.
• Rule 1,2 & 4 follow but 3 does not as the price increase is actually 49%

Example

• Rule I applies as it is out of context.
• Follows all the 4 rules perfectly.

Example

• Both I & II follow all the 4 rules and hence follow the statement