What is a Syllogism?
A logical argument in which the conclusion is derived from the truth of two (or more) premises is known as a syllogism. A deductive argument progresses from general to specific, while an inductive argument progresses from specific to general.
Importance of Syllogism in Bank Exams
- You can expect 4-5 questions in prelims as well in the mains exam.
- In mains, you can expect slightly difficult pattern questions from this chapter.
- With proper practice of Bank mock tests and conceptual clarity, you can easily solve these questions.
Today we will discuss Syllogism (based on the new pattern). First, we will understand the basics of syllogism, How the Venn Diagram can be drawn for both Definite and Possibility cases? Make sure to go through the article thoroughly -
All A are B
No A are B
Some A are B
Some A are not B
Tips & Tricks to Solve Syllogism Questions in Bank Exams
Case I: Universal Affirmative
All A are B
Set A is a subset of B
Can’t infer that “Some B are not A” (from diagram 1.2).
It is different from “All B are A”.
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Case II: Universal negative
No A are B
Two sets, A and B do not overlap each other in this case.
It is same as “No B are A”.
It can be also written as “All A are not B” and “ All B are not A”.
Case III: Particular Affirmative
Some A are B
There is at least one element that is both in set A and B.
Can’t infer that “Some A are not B”.
It is the same as “Some B are A”.
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Case IV: Particular Negative
Some A are not B
There is at least one element(Shaded portion) in set A that is not a part of set B.
Can’t infer that “Some A are B’.
It is different from “Some B is not A”.
In this type there are two types of conclusions, one is the definite conclusion and another one is the possible conclusion. In case of, a definite conclusion you must draw a basic diagram (i.e. Minimum overlapping) and for the possible conclusion, you have to check all possible cases.
Now, let's understand this from examples:
(1)Some Cakes are Roses (2)All Roses are Trucks
(3)No Trucks are Bricks (4)At least some Bricks are Hotels
(1)Some Trucks are Cakes
(2)Some Bricks are Roses
(3)All Cakes are Trucks
(4)Some Hotels are Cakes
Solution: First, you should draw basic diagrams.
Now, we can see that
Conclusion1 is true. As Cakes and Trucks are intersecting each other.
Conclusion2: There is no relation mentioned between Bricks and Roses. So, we can’t comment about it.
Conclusion3: Intersection of Trucks and Cakes is due to Roses. We can’t comment about all Cakes.
Conclusion4: There is no relation mentioned between Hotels and Cars. So, we can’t comment about it.
Hence, Conclusion 1 follows.
Syllogism Possibility Cases in Bank Exams
In the case of Possibility cases, we have to infer all possible cases which can be possible. In exams, you don’t need to draw a diagram for each and every possible case. In this, the basic and definite condition should not be changed.
(1) All Locks are Doors
(2) All Doors are Bags
(3) Some Tickets are not Doors
(4) All Tickets are Keys.
(1)Some Locks are not Tickets
(2)Some Tickets are not Bags
(3)All Locks being Tickets is a possibility.
(4)All Keys being Doors is a possibility.
In Statement 3 Some Tickets are not Doors, it is Case IV (Particular Negative).
Conclusion1: We can’t comment about this because there is more than one possible case and it is a basic statement.
Conclusion2: There is no mention of relation to this also. We can not comment about it too.
Conclusion3: It is a possible conclusion, we can see that in the below diagram it has not violated the basic condition that "Some Tickets are not Doors(Dotted line portion of Tickets are not Doors)" and followed all statements given. So, it is true.
But if it has not been a 'possibility conclusion, this conclusion does not follow will be our answer
In Conclusion 4, From the below possible diagram, we can see that “All Ticket are Keys” also all Tickets are Doors. So it is violating the basic condition that “Some Tickets are not Doors”.
Hence, only conclusion 3 follows.
Expert Tips to Prepare Syllogism:
- Go through some previous year's question papers of major Bank exams to know the type and level of questions asked.
- Watch the concept sessions on BYJU'S Exam Prep app.
- Practice quizzes and mock tests to test yourself.
- Analyze and revise where you lack.
- Give special emphasis to a few, only a few type questions.
- Practice is the only key to achieving expertise in this chapter.
Attempt Reasoning Ability quizzes from the below link -
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