Reasoning Ability is an integral part of Bank Job PO Exam. We shall discuss and give an overview about Reasoning Ability section here. Reasoning or logic is a part of the mental ability test. It tests one’s analysing power and his/her ability to perceive things, processes them in the brain and finally come out with a solution. It tests the efficiency of the brain in solving different problems based on different logics.
One person may be able to tackle a problem within seconds whereas for the same problem another one may take several minutes. Thus Practice is very important in this regard because it conditions the brain to think fast and correct.
A single reasoning problem simultaneously tests memorising power, mental reflection, intelligence, sensibility, carefulness, mental alertness, aesthetic power, common sense, analysing power and many other things. Hence reasoning is given so much of importance in various examinations for recruitment to various streams.
Reasoning tests has become indispensable owing to their ability to serve the purpose of testing so many things at one go.
Reasoning questions have large variety and are widely classified into Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
1. VERBAL REASONING
Verbal reasoning tests use words, letters and numbers, and require logical reasoning and a reasonable knowledge of the English Language. It is also necessary to be familiar with simple manipulations with figures, like addition, subtractions division and multiplication. The problems of number in Test of Reasoning will not require any advanced knowledge of mathematics. Instead, they will test how logical you are i.e. how well you reason and think while carrying out simple arithmetic manipulations.
Verbal reasoning includes the below broad categories, namely
• Series Completion
• Classification (finding the odd man out) and
• Analogical Relationships, in addition to
• Other types of logical and reasoning questions.
Test of reasoning paper may comprise 70 to 80 percent of verbal type of reasoning questions.
Before dealing with the various types of verbal reasoning questions appearing in Bank Probationary Officers Examination, one should be familarised with the following broad classification of Verbal Reasoning Tests:
• Series Completion
• Classification (Odd Man Out)
• Analogy
• Coding and Decoding
• Puzzle Test
• Logical Diagrams and Relationships
• Others
2. NON VERBAL REASONING
Non-verbal reasoning includes questions on some series of graphical representations. For example, four graphical pictures are shown depending upon some series, the candidate has to decide the next in series by finding out the logic used in creating the series.
Questions are asked mainly from the following categories :
• Non-Verbal Series
• Mirror Images
• Cubes and Dices
• Grouping Identical Figures
• Embedded Figures Etc.
LOGICAL REASONING
Introduction: In logical reasoning a candidate’s basic intelligence and aptitude is tested. Logical reasoning is based upon certain fundamental rules. Before undertaking the study of these rules it is necessary to explain the terminology that is used in logic.
Concept: A concept is the criterion in mind or a kind of mental content of something or some impression or experience or idea.
Term: A concept, expressed in language, becomes a term. A term is a word or combination of words which is, by itself, capable of being used as a subject or predicate of a logical proposition.
For Example – William, Chair, Dishonestly, Master of Science, Reader in History etc. All terms are words but all words are not terms. Words like on, at, of are not terms.
Under Logical Reasoning the below topics come :
1) Fallacies in Arguments
2) Immediate Inference
3) Syllogism
4) Statement – Arguments
5) Statement – Assumptions
6) Statement – Courses of Action
7) Statement – Conclusions
8) Deriving Conclusions from Passages
9) Theme Detection
1) FALLACIES IN ARGUMENTS
The logic formulates certain rules and regulations of valid thinking. When the rules are violated in an argument it amounts to committing a fallacy. In other words, fallacy means misleading arguments or sophism.
2) IMMEDIATE INFERENCE
Immediate inference the conclusion is drawn from only one given proposition.
Example:
All teachers are learned – Some learned are teachers.
No boys are innocent – No innocents are boys.
3) SYLLOGISM
In Logic, we are required to deal with a particular type, termed as Syllogism. It was introduced by Aristotle.
In Syllogism, a conclusion has to be drawn from two propositions, referred to as the Premises.
Example:
1. All lotus are flowers.
2. All flowers are beautiful.
3. All lotus are beautiful.
Clearly, the propositions 1 and 2 are the Premises and the proposition 3, which follows from the first two propositions, is called the Conclusion.
TERM
In Logic, a TERM is a word or a combination of words, which by itself can be used as a subject or predicate of a proposition.
Syllogism is concerned with three terms:
1. Major Term: It is the predicate of the conclusion and is denoted by P (first letter of ‘Predicate’.)
2. Minor Term: It is the subject of the conclusion and is denoted by S (first letter of ‘Subject’).
3. Middle Term: It is the term common to both the premises and is denoted by M (first letter of ‘Middle’).
Note that the middle term does not occur in the conclusion.
4) STATEMENT – ARGUMENTS
In this type of questions, a statement concerned with a political, social or economic issue is given, followed by two arguments, generally one in favour of and one against the statement. The candidate is required to analyse first the statement, then the arguments in context of the statement and decide which of the arguments holds strong, and helps, formulate the most appropriate opinion on the subject.
Example:
Directions: Each of the following questions consists of a statement followed by two arguments I and II.
Give answer
(a) if only argument I is strong;
(b) if only argument II is strong;
(c) if either I or II is strong;
(d) if neither I nor II is strong and
(e) if both I and II are strong.
Example:
Statement: Should number of holidays of government employees be reduced ?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Our government employees are having maximum number of holidays among the other countries of the world.
II. Yes. It will lead to increased productivity of government offices. (Bank P.O. 1998)
Solution – Clearly, a comparison with the system in other countries is no strong a criteria for taking a decision on the issue. So, argument I does not hold. Also, reducing the number of holidays implies more working hours which will surely increase productivity.
Hence, the answer is (b).
5) STATEMENT – ASSUMPTIONS
An assumption is something taken for granted i.e.,-a fact that can be supposed on considering the contents of the given statement.
In this type of questions, a statement is given, followed by two assumptions. The candidate is required to assess the given statement and then decide which of the given assumptions is implicit in the statement and choose the same from the alternatives provided.
Example:
Directions: In each question below is given a statement followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. Consider the statement and decide which of the given assumptions is implicit.
Give answer (a) if only assumption I is implicit; (b) if only assumption II is implicit; (c) if either I or II is implicit; (d) if neither I nor II is implicit and (e) if both I and II are implicit.
Example: Statement: It is desirable to put the child in school at the age of 5 or so.
Assumptions:
I. At that age the child reaches appropriate level of development and is ready to learn.
II. The schools do not admit children after six years of age.
(Bank P.O. 1997)
Solution – Since the statement talks of putting the child in school at the age of 5, it means that the child is mentally prepared for the same at this age. So, I is implicit. But, nothing about admission after six years of age is mentioned in the statement. So, II is not implicit. Hence, the answer is (a).
6) STATEMENT — COURSES OF ACTION
A course of action is ‘a step or administrative decision to be taken for improvement, follow-up or further action in regard to the problem, policy etc. on the basis of the information given in the statement’.
The questions in this section, thus, involve finding the appropriate course of action, assuming the problem or policy being talked about in the statement.
In this type of questions, a statement is given followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. The candidate is required to grasp the statement, analyse the problem or policy it mentions and then decide which of the courses of action logically follow.
Example:
Ex. Statement: Many cases of cholera were reported from a nearby village.
Courses of Action:
I. The question should be raised in the Legislative Assembly.
II. A team of doctors should be rushed to the village.
Solution – Clearly, the disease has to be eradicated. For this, proper and immediate medication and preventive measures by doctors is necessary. So, only course II follows.
7) STATEMENT – CONCLUSIONS
‘Conclusion’ means ‘a fact that can be truly inferred from the contents of a given sentence or passage’. The questions in this section thus consist of a statement/group of statements, followed by certain inferences based on the facts contained in the given statements. The candidate is required to analyse the given statements, understand their indirect implications and then decide which of the given conclusions follows logically and for sure, from the given statements.
In this type of questions, a statement is given followed by two conclusions. The candidate is required to find out which of these conclusions definitely follows from the given statement and choose the answer accordingly.
Example:
Directions: In each of the following questions, a statement is given followed by two conclusions I and II.
Give answer
(a) if only conclusion I follows;
(b) if only conclusion II follows;
(c) if either l or ll follows;
(d) if neither I nor II follows and
(e) if both I and II follow.
Example 1 Statement: Sealed tenders are invited from competent contractors experienced in executing construction jobs. Conclusions:
I. Tenders are invited only from experienced contractors.
II. It is difficult to find competent tenders in construction jobs.
Solution – According to the statement, tenders are invited from contractors experienced in executing construction jobs. So, conclusion I follow. The availability of competent tenders in construction is not mentioned. So, conclusion II does not follow. Hence, the answer is (a).
Example 2 Statement: The distance of 900 km by road between Bombay and Jafra will be reduced to 280 km by sea. This will lead to a saving of Rs 7.92 crores per annum on fuel.
Conclusions:
I. Transportation by sea is cheaper than that by road.
II. Fuel must be saved to the greatest extent.
Sol. According to the statement, sea transport is cheaper than road transport in the case of route from Bombay to Jafra, not in all the cases. So, conclusion I do not follow. The statement stresses on the saving of fuel. So, conclusion II follows. Hence, the answer is (b).
8) DERIVING CONCLUSIONS FROM PASSAGES
In this section of logical deduction, the question consists of a brief passage followed by certain inferences based on it. The candidate is required to analyse the passage and grasp the desirable facts from it. Then, he has to consider each inference in the context of the given passage, decide upon its degree of truth or falsity and then choose the best alternative provided accordingly.
Example:
Directions: Read the following passage and examine each inference given below it in the context of this passage.
Mark your answer as:
(a) if the inference is ‘definitely true’;
(b) if the inference is ‘probably true’;
(c) if the ‘data provided is inadequate’;
(d) if the inference is ‘probably false’; and
(e) if the inference is ‘definitely false’.
Ex. The space exploration has been done mainly by using unmanned satellites called space probes containing a large variety of latest scientific instruments on board. These space probes have provided us the close up pictures and other data about planets and other bodies in the outer space. The climax of the intensive American space programme came when Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969. Originally, the artificial satellites were launched for studying the upper atmosphere of earth.
1. The space probes have increased our knowledge about space and the bodies in it.
2. Space probes are meant to study the upper atmosphere of earth only.
3. Neil Armstrong was the first man to go into space.
4. Space probes are provided with computers.
5. Moon has been explored by man.
Solution:
1. (a) : It is mentioned in the passage that the space probes have provided pictures and certain data of the outer space and the heavenly bodies. Thus, they have helped us increase our knowledge of outer space and the bodies in it.
2. (e): According to the passage, the space probes were first designed to study the upper atmosphere of earth. But at present, they are also used to explore outer space and obtain more information about it.
3. (c): It is given in the passage that Neil Armstrong was the first man to step foot on moon. But the first man to go into space is not being talked out.
4. (b): According to the passage, space probes are provided with large variety of latest scientific instruments. Thus, computers may also be present.
5. (a): The fact mentioned in the passage that Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon clearly proves that moon has been explored by man.
9) THEME DETECTION
In this type of questions, a paragraph is given followed by certain statements which may or may not be inferred from the passage. The candidate is required to choose that statement which contains the theme of the passage i.e., the idea that it conveys.
Example:
Through advertising, manufacturing exercises a high degree of control over consumer’s desires. However, the manufacturer assumes enormous risks in attempting to predict what consumers will want and in producing goods in quantity and distributing them in advance of final selection by the consumers.
(SBI PO 1995)
The paragraph best supports the statement that manufacturers –
(a) Distribute goods directly to the consumers.
(b) Can eliminate the risk of overproduction by advertising.
(c) Always take moderate and calculated risk.
(d) Can predict with great accuracy the success of any product they put on the market.
(e) Must depend upon the final consumers for the success of their undertakings.
Solution – According to the passage, it is very difficult for the manufacturer to predict the consumers’ response to his products. But by advertising, he can stimulate the consumers to buy his product. So, the theme of the paragraph is best mentioned in (b). Hence, (b) is the answer.
(a) is incorrect because it is mentioned in the paragraph that manufacturers distribute goods in advance of their demands and not directly to the consumers.
(c) is wrong because according to the passage, manufacturers take ‘enormous’ and not ‘moderate’ risks.
(d) is wrong because it is mentioned in the passage that manufacturers take great risk in predicting what the consumers want.
(e) is a true statement but it does not depict the complete theme of the passage.
All the best !