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Introduction
What makes an excellent critical thinker? The ability to question preconceived notions and assumptions, connect the dots and see the bigger picture. Just like any other problem of logical reasoning, critical reasoning is based on a set principle/ foundation and there are many tricks and tips you can use to get better at it. This article will clear all your doubts and questions regarding critical thinking and make it easier for you.
So, what exactly is critical reasoning?
Critical reasoning is all about analysis, rationality, problem-solving, questioning and a deep understanding of the subject matter. As we explore various types of critical reasoning, it will become clearer.
Various types of critical reasoning questions
Statement and assumption questions
A statement and one or more assumptions are given in this type of question. The candidate needs to select the correct option, given the fact that the statement is true, and based on whether the assumption supports the statement or not.
Statement and argument questions
A statement and various arguments are presented in favour of or against the subject matter of the statement. The candidate needs to decide which argument is logically correct.
Statement and conclusion questions
Various conclusions are followed after the statement. Based on the statement and conclusions, one needs to make the most logically correct choice.
Statement and course of action questions
A statement, followed by various courses of action are given. The correct choice of course of action implies that it should be followed relative to the question/ situation in the statement.
Causes and effects questions
Different statements are given and the candidate needs to decipher whether the statements are cause and effects of each other, are independent of each other or are some common causes themselves.
Tips to solve critical reasoning questions
- Understand the meaning behind the statements and sentences given. Read them a few times to get a grasp of what it essentially means, and simplify it. Examiners overcomplicate the sentences to confuse the students, so try to simplify and understand the essence/meaning of the sentence.
- It is very helpful to describe the sentence in your own words, based on your vocabulary. This essentially creates a summary of the entire question in your mind, after which picking the correct answer is extremely easy.
- It is imperative to understand three things: “practice, practice, practice”. Practising mock tests is key to understanding the types of questions and gaining mastery over critical reasoning.
Sample questions of critical reasoning
1st question:
Many commercial offices are housed in multi-story structures with two to eight levels. A lift is present in a building with more than three stories. Which of the following must be true if the previous assertions are true?
-There are no lifts on the second floor.
-There are lifts on the 7th and 8th floors.
-Only the third and fourth storeys have lifts.
-Lifts provide access to all floors.
Option B is the correct answer.
Explanation:– According to the question, if a building has more than three storeys, it must have a lift. Then there are buildings with five storeys that include a second level as well, therefore the first answer is incorrect. The second option is correct. The third alternative is incorrect, based on the same logic as the first. The fourth cannot be true, because if it were, even the two-story building would have had lifts.
2nd question:
Which of the following assumptions underpins the conclusion in the first sentence?
-For most truck drivers, the roads outside of the motorway would be just as convenient as the highway.
-Outside of motorways, most roads are not equipped to accommodate truck traffic.
-The majority of trucks on the road nowadays have a capacity of more than 8 tonnes.
-Automobiles are more often than trucks to be involved in collisions.
Option C is the correct answer.
Explanation: For the most part, the routes outside of the highway would be as convenient as the motorway. The first statement concludes that barring trucks with a payload capacity of more than 8 tonnes from driving on highways will drive most trucks off of them.
The conclusion cannot be correct unless it is also true that, as 3 claims, most highway trucks have a capacity of more than 8 tonnes. As a result, the conclusion of the first line implies this decision, which is the best response.
Conclusion
Critical reasoning stretches your intellectual capabilities which is why government exams place so much emphasis on it. Read through the article thoroughly and start your practice, as it is a practice that will make you well versed in the subject. Ultimately it is about breaking complex things down into simpler forms and identifying the bigger picture and connecting the pieces of information given in the statements.
