Logical Reasoning- Definition, Questions, Topics and FAQs

Logical thinking means using your brain in a smart and organized way to figure things out. It’s like having a superpower for your mind that helps you make sense of the world. 

What is Logical Reasoning? 

Logical reasoning is a crucial cognitive skill that involves the ability to think critically, analyze information, and make sound decisions based on evidence and rational thinking. It is the foundation of problem-solving and decision-making, and it plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives, from academic and professional pursuits to everyday challenges. 

Steps To Solve Logical Reasoning-Based Questions 

Mastering logical reasoning requires a systematic approach. Here are the key steps to solving logical reasoning-based questions: 

• Understand the Question: Begin by carefully reading and understanding the question or problem. Identify the type of reasoning required, such as deductive, inductive, or abductive. 
• Analyze the Information: Break down the information provided in the question. Identify any patterns, relationships, or clues that can guide your reasoning process. 
• Formulate Hypotheses: Based on your analysis, formulate hypotheses or practical solutions to the problem. Consider different scenarios and potential outcomes. 
• Evaluate Options: Assess the validity of each hypothesis or solution. Use logical principles to eliminate unlikely or incorrect options. 
• Draw Inferences: Draw logical inferences from the information and hypotheses. Use deductive reasoning to arrive at a conclusive answer. 
• Check for Consistency: Ensure that your reasoning is consistent and coherent. Verify that your conclusions align with the information given. 
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Take Coaching for Logical reasoning skills to improve with practice. Work on a variety of logical reasoning problems to enhance your proficiency. 

Logical Reasoning Section Topics

The logical reasoning section covers a wide range of topics, including:

1. Deductive Reasoning: Deductive reasoning is like following a strict set of rules. You start with a general idea, then use facts or information to come to a specific conclusion. It’s like saying, “All humans are mortal. I am a human, so I must be mortal.”
2. Inductive Reasoning: Inductive reasoning is about making educated guesses based on patterns or observations. It’s like noticing that every time you touch a hot stove, it hurts, so you conclude that touching any hot stove will hurt.
3. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to think carefully and logically. It involves analyzing information, questioning assumptions, and making well-informed decisions.
4. Syllogisms: Syllogisms are a type of logical argument that uses two statements to reach a conclusion. For example, “All birds can fly. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins can fly.”
5. Analogical Reasoning: Analogical reasoning is comparing two things that are similar in some ways to draw conclusions. It’s like saying, “This situation is like the one I’ve seen before, so I can apply what I know from that situation to this one.”
6. Logical Puzzles: Logical puzzles are brain teasers that require you to use your reasoning skills to solve them. They often involve finding patterns, making deductions, and thinking outside the box.
7. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning: Verbal reasoning involves understanding and solving problems with words and language, like interpreting written instructions. Non-verbal reasoning, on the other hand, involves solving problems using shapes, patterns, and images instead of words.

Solve Logical Reasoning Questions 

Now, let’s put your logical reasoning skills to the test. Try solving the following question: 

Question: You have three boxes. One contains only apples, one contains only oranges, and one contains both apples and oranges. Each box is labeled, but all labels are incorrect. You can open one box and pull out one piece of fruit. How can you determine the correct labels? 

Feel free to pause here to solve the question before moving on to the next section. 

Logic Reasoning Questions with Sample Answers 

Here is the solution to the previous question: 

• Pick a fruit from the box labeled “Apples and Oranges.” Since all labels are incorrect, this box cannot contain both apples and oranges. 
• If you pick an apple, the box must contain only apples, making it the “Apples” box. The remaining label goes to the box with oranges. 
• If you pick an orange, the box must contain only oranges, making it the “Oranges” box. The remaining label goes to the box with both fruits. 

Logical reasoning is an invaluable skill that can be honed with practice and dedication. By following the steps outlined here and exploring various topics within logical reasoning, you can enhance your problem-solving abilities and make more informed decisions in your academic, professional, and personal life. 

FAQs for Logical Reasoning