Reasoning – Syllogisms
What is Syllogisms?
Syllogism questions involve statements and conclusions, testing your ability to deduce valid outcomes using logic and set theory.
Types of Statements
1. Universal Affirmative: All A are B
2. Universal Negative: No A is B
3. Particular Affirmative: Some A are B
4. Particular Negative: Some A are not B
Example Questions
- Statements:
All cats are animals.
Some animals are dogs.
Conclusions:
I. Some cats are dogs.
II. All dogs are animals.
Answer: Answer: Only II follows
- Statements:
Some pencils are pens.
All pens are markers.
Conclusion: Some pencils are markers.
Answer: Answer: True (valid Venn logic)
Exam Tips
- Use Venn diagrams for visual validation.
- Universal statements override particulars.
- Be strict with conclusions—only what's always true.
Common Mistakes
- Accepting 'possibility' as certainty.
- Assuming reversed relationships (All B are A from All A are B).
- Forgetting difference between 'some', 'all', 'none'.
Quick Revision Checklist
- Revise all 4 statement types.
- Solve 20+ syllogism problems with diagrams.
- Understand definite vs possible conclusions.
Summary: Syllogisms are foundational in logic-based questions. Master them by understanding categorical relations and practicing with diagrams.