Definition of Logical Reasoning 

INTRODUCTION:

For every competitive exam, one of the most important sections is REASONING. One can score well in competitive exams if you score well in Reasoning.

In competitive exams, the Reasoning Ability section comprises two types of questions. These two types include Logical Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning. 

LOGICAL REASONING:

Logical reasoning is one of the most important sections for various Government and Non-Government recruitment examinations. It is one of the most fundamental skills of effective thinking. It involves using a given set of facts or data to deduce other facts by reasoning logically. Logical reasoning is testing a student’s problem-solving ability or higher use of logic.

The word ‘Logical Reasoning’ is made up of two words – Logical and Reasoning.

Logical: Logical comes from the word “logic” can be defined as “The study of truths based completely on the meanings of the terms they contain”. It is the science of the principle of valid thinking.

Reasoning: Reasoning is a process of thinking during which the individual is aware of a problem and identifies, evaluates, and decides upon a solution. It simply means looking for justification.

Logical reasoning is one of the most crucial types of reasoning and uses a methodical approach to arrive at a specific conclusion.

Logic is one section where you get better only by practice. The only way to learn logical reasoning is by doing lots of problems of different kinds.

IMPORTANCE OF LOGICAL THINKING:

‘The Importance of Logical Thinking in the Workplace ‘stated that

Logical thinkers observe and analyze phenomena, reactions, and

feedback and then draw conclusions based on that input. They can

justify their strategies, actions, and decisions based on the facts they

gather.

Thus, logical reasoning is the ability to draw a reliable conclusion or make a correct inference based on the facts, assumptions, and arguments.

Logical Reasoning helps you reason through decisions and solve problems. It gives you the ability to understand what you have read and how to build upon that knowledge.

NOTE: 1. For competitive exams, one should have a stronghold on logical reasoning. 

2. Logical Reasoning tests skills, not knowledge.

ANALYTICAL REASONING: In Analytical reasoning, some mathematical operation has to perform to get the result. The questions based on analytical reasoning test the analytical ability of a student.

Some topics of analytical reasons are statements and arguments, Statements and conclusions, Statements and assumptions etc.

ADVANTAGES OF LOGICAL REASONING

• The best part about logical reasoning is that it does not require any learning or prior knowledge. There is no defined syllabus for logical reasoning.
• It is one of the most scoring sections in any competitive exam.
• Logical Reasoning does not only help in competitive exams but also amplifies logical thinking that results in the best solution for the most complex problems in real life as well.

TYPES OF LOGICAL REASONING

In verbal logical reasoning questions, the concepts and problems are expressed in words. The students are required to read and understand the given text or paragraph and accordingly choose the right answer from the given options. These types of questions assess the comprehension skills of the student.

In non-verbal logical reasoning questions, the concepts and problems are expressed in the form of figures, images, symbols, signs, alphabets, diagrams etc. and the students are required to understand them before choosing the right answer out of the given options. This type of reasoning gets closer to the mathematical format.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS:

Set Goals and make a study plan:

Familiarize yourself with the topics of exams that you are attempting. Create a proper study plan and study accordingly

Time Management:

Time management is very important and a must for any competitive exam. You should manage your time wisely and should have separate time for other activities to avoid distractions in your study time.

Practise more and more previous year papers and mock papers:

Solving previous year question papers gives you an idea about the pattern of the exam. Solving more mock papers will improve your speed and you will get to know how much time you have to finish a particular topic to complete the paper.

Charged up for the exam day:

You should revise everything a day before the exam and should spend some time to relax your mind before the exam.

TOPICS THAT COME UNDER LOGICAL REASONING:

TIPS FOR PRACTISING LOGICAL REASONING

1.The best way to practice for any logical reasoning test is to do lots of practice. The more you practice, the more you will understand the root level basics of the topic, and you will improve a deep level of logical reasoning in your life

2. Read the given information carefully and study the question twice before answering, and before you answer, work through the information using logical approaches. Look at sequences before answers, understand what the question is trying to get you to answer.
3. You can find previous year question papers online and go through the pattern and question types as it will definitely help you in designing the right strategy on how to prepare for competitive exams for government recruitments.
4. Solve more and more Mock test papers.
5. .Stay Updated About Current Affairs

Below are a few solved examples of Logical Reasoning – Verbal and Non -verbal.

Number series

In each series, look at the degree / direction of change between given numbers. 

Q1. Look at the pattern and choose which number comes next.

7 16 25 34 43 52 61

1. 66 72
2. 70 79
3. 70 78
4. 69 79
5. 71 80

SOLUTION: (B) This a simple addition series, which begins with 7 and adds 9

Q2. 48 44 40 37 33 29 26

1. 24 18 14
2. 22 20 15
3. 22 18 15
4. 22 19 16
5. 23 18 15

SOLUTION (C): This is an alternating subtraction series in which 4 is subtracted twice, then 3 is subtracted once, then 4 is subtracted twice, 3 is subtracted once and so on.

Letter Series

Here you will look at both the number and letter pattern.

Q1. QPO, NML, KJI ______, EDC

1. HGF
2. CAB
3. JKL
4. GHI

SOLUTION: (A) Series is of letters in reverse alphabetical order , hence answer is HGF

Q2. JAK, KBL, LCM, MDN ______

1. OEP
2. PFQ
3. NEO
4. MEN

SOLUTION: (C)This is an alternating series in alphabetical order. The middle letters follow the order ABCDE. The first and third letters are alphabetical beginning with J. The third letter is repeated as a first letter in each subsequent three-letter segment.

Analogy Questions

Find out which of the answer choices completes the same relationship with the third word.

Q1. Compass is to direction as Odometer is to 

1. Mileage
2. Speed
3. Needle
4. Direction

SOLUTION: (A) Mileage

Q2. Book is to page as Window is to

1. Glass
2. Pane
3. Cover
4. Door

SOLUTION (B) Pane

Cause & Effect 

Q1. Statements

i)The price of Tea and Coffee have remained unchanged in the domestic market for the past few months

ii)The price of Tea and Coffee have gone up a lot in the international market in the last few months

1. Statement I is the cause and statement II are its effect
2. B. Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect
3. Both the statements I and II are independent causes
4. Both the statements I and II are effects of independent causes
5. Both the statements I and II are effects of some common cause

SOLUTION: D

Q2. Statements

i)The Government increased the fees of schools this year in Delhi

ii)The parents of children in schools of Delhi held a protest against the increase in fees this year

1. Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect
2. B. Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect
3. Both the statements I and II are independent causes
4. Both the statements I and II are effects of independent causes
5. Both the statements I and II are effects of some common cause

SOLUTION: B

Verbal Classification 

Q1. Which word does not belong with others?

1. Skimmed
2. Toned
3. Full Cream
4. Brown

SOLUTION: D (Skimmed, Toned and Full Cream are types of Milk , Brown can be a type of Bread or a color)

Q2. Which word does not belong with others?

1. Guitar
2. Piano
3. Violin
4. Basketball

SOLUTION: D (Guitar, Piano and Violin are types of musical instruments, Basketball is a sport)

Logical Sequence of Words

Q1. Arrange the words in the order of sequence

1. Car Door
2. Ignition
3. Car Key
4. Clutch 
5. Gear

SOLUTION: CABDE (You use the car key to open the door, turn on the ignition, press the clutch and put the car in a gear)

Q2. Arrange the words in the order of sequence

1. Washroom Door
2. Door Knob
3. Tap
4. Bucket
5. Water

SOLUTION: BADCE (You use the door knob to open the washroom door, place the bucket, open the tap to fill water)