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

1. All A are B – This means every element of A belongs to B.

2. Some A are B – This means at least one A is B.

3. No A is B – This means A and B are completely separate.

4. 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:

1. All cats are animals.

2. 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:

1. No apple is banana.

2. Some bananas are mangoes.
   Conclusion:
   A) No apple is mango.
   B) Some mangoes are not apples.
   Answer: Only B follows.

3. Possibility Case

Statements:

1. Some chairs are tables.

2. All tables are wood.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some chairs may be wood.
   B) All wood are tables.
   Answer: Only A follows.

4. Universal Affirmative

Statements:

1. All students are smart.

2. 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:

1. Some roses are flowers.

2. All flowers are beautiful.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some beautiful things are roses.
   B) No rose is beautiful.
   Answer: Only A follows.

6. Contradictory Conclusion

Statements:

1. Some birds are sparrows.

2. 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:

1. All men are human.

2. Some humans are scientists.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some scientists are men.
   B) All scientists are men.
   Answer: No conclusion follows.

8. Either-Or Case

Statements:

1. Some dogs are cats.

2. 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:

1. All teachers are educated.

2. 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:

1. All doctors are professionals.

2. Some professionals are engineers.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some engineers are doctors.
   B) Some professionals may be doctors.
   Answer: Only B follows.

11. Inclusion Relationship

Statements:

1. Some books are novels.

2. All novels are fiction.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some books are fiction.
   B) All fiction are books.
   Answer: Only A follows.

12. Direct Negation

Statements:

1. No fish is an amphibian.

2. Some amphibians are reptiles.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some fish are reptiles.
   B) No reptile is a fish.
   Answer: Only B follows.

13. Mutual Exclusivity

Statements:

1. Some actors are singers.

2. 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:

1. All squares are rectangles.

2. Some rectangles are circles.
   Conclusion:
   A) Some squares are circles.
   B) All circles are rectangles.
   Answer: No conclusion follows.

15. Contradictory Possibility

Statements:

1. Some pencils are pens.

2. 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:

1. All scientists are researchers.

2. 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:

1. Some mammals are carnivores.

2. 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:

1. Some beliefs are traditions.

2. 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:

1. No flower is a tree.

2. Some trees are plants.
   Conclusion:
   A) No flower is a plant.
   B) Some plants are trees.
   Answer: Only B follows.

20. Overlapping Sets

Statements:

1. All squares are polygons.

2. 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!