Analytical Reasoning Types, Topics, Tricks, and Tips for Competitive Exams

Analytical reasoning is a critical skill that involves the ability to think logically, identify patterns, and draw conclusions from given information. Understanding analytical reasoning not only improves exam performance but also enhances decision-making skills in real-life situations. Some of the important topics under analytical reasoning are statement and conclusion, cause and effects, statement and argument, and more.

In this blog we have provided all the details terms of analytical reasoning, topics covered under analytical reasoning, easy tricks to solve questions based on this topic and more.

What Do You Mean by the Term Analytical Reasoning?

Analytical reasoning involves using logic and structured thinking to analyze information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions. It’s about breaking down complex problems into simpler parts to understand relationships and make informed decisions. This skill is crucial for solving puzzles, understanding data, and making sound judgments in various situations.

What Are the Various Types of Analytical Reasoning?

Analytical reasoning questions can be categorized into several types:

1. Statement & Argument: These questions present a statement followed by arguments supporting or opposing it. The task is to evaluate the strength of the arguments.
2. Statement & Assumption: Here, a statement is given, and you need to identify underlying assumptions that are taken for granted.
3. Statement & Conclusion: A statement is provided, followed by conclusions. The goal is to determine which conclusions logically follow from the statement.
4. Statement & Course of Action: This type involves a statement and possible courses of action. You must decide which actions are appropriate based on the statement.
5. Cause & Effect: These questions present a cause and its effect. You need to assess the relationship between them.

Topics Covered Under Analytical Reasoning

The topics covered under Analytical Reasoning are as follows:

• Syllogism
• Series & Patterns
• Statement and Argument
• Cause and Effect
• Statements & Conclusions
• Statements & Assumptions
• Statements & Course of Action

Exams That Include Analytical Reasoning Questions

Analytical reasoning questions were being asked in most competitive exams:

• Banking: SBI PO/SBI Clerk, IBPS PO/IBPS Clerk, RBI Grade B
• Staff Selection Commission: SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC JE
• Railways: RRB NTPC, Group D
• Insurance: LIC AAO, NICL AO
• Other Govt Exams: UPSC, State PSC, NABARD, Defence exams

Check Out the Upcoming Government Exams You Can Apply For

Analytical Reasoning Sample Questions and Solutions

Some of the sample questions based on analytical reasoning are as follows:

1. Statement & Argument

Explanation: You are given a statement and two arguments. Decide which argument is strong and which is weak.

Sample Question:
Statement: “The government should provide free internet access to all schools.”
Arguments:
(a) Yes, it will help students access more learning resources.
(b) No, it will increase government expenses unnecessarily.

Solution:
Argument (a) is strong because free internet clearly benefits students’ learning. Argument (b) is weak because higher expenses alone do not justify denying internet access.

2. Statement & Assumption

Explanation: Identify assumptions that are implied in a given statement.

Sample Question:
Statement: “The city should invest in more public parks and green spaces.”
Assumption: People will use these parks and green spaces regularly.

Solution:
The assumption is implicit because the idea of building parks is based on the belief that people will benefit from and use them.

Also Solve Statement and Assumption Questions Based on RRB NTPC

3. Statement & Conclusion

Explanation: Decide which conclusions logically follow from the statement.

Sample Question:
Statement: “Offering free health check-ups in schools increases awareness about healthy habits among children.”
Conclusion: Children will become more aware of their health.

Solution:
The conclusion is probably true because providing free check-ups directly informs children about health, which increases awareness.

4. Statement & Course of Action

Explanation: Decide which actions are appropriate based on a given statement.

Sample Question:
Statement: “The number of road accidents in the city has increased significantly in the past year.”
Actions:
(I) Conduct awareness campaigns about traffic rules.
(II) Increase the number of speed cameras and traffic patrols.

Solution:
Both actions are appropriate. Awareness campaigns educate people, while speed cameras and patrols help enforce traffic rules.

5. Cause & Effect

Explanation: Identify which statement is the cause and which is the effect.

Sample Question:
Cause: “Many schools reported low attendance during the rainy season.”
Effect: “Schools decided to provide free transport for students during the rainy season.”

Solution:
The low attendance (cause) led to the decision to provide free transport (effect) to help students attend regularly.

Get Ready for the Upcoming Bank Exams with the Bank Exam Syllabus

How to Solve Analytical Reasoning Questions Quickly

To solve analytical reasoning questions efficiently and correctly in less time aspirants must follow these details:

• Understand the Question: Read the question carefully to know what is being asked and whether the answer follows or does not follow.
• Identify Key Terms: Focus on the important words or phrases in the question to understand what is being said.
• Rule Out Negative Terms: Pay attention to words like not, except, or never as they can change the meaning.
• Practice Regular Reading: Read passages and reasoning questions daily to track important terms and improve comprehension.
• Analyze Relationships: Look for relationships between statements, people, events, or objects to solve questions logically.
• Eliminate Wrong Options: Narrow down choices by discarding obviously incorrect answers first.
• Think Step by Step: Break the problem into smaller parts and solve them one by one.

Check out SSC CGL Reasoning Questions with Answers

Key Points to Remember While Solving Analytical Reasoning Questions

While solving analytical reasoning questions aspirants must keep the below mentioned details in mind:

• Stay Calm: Don’t rush; take your time to understand the problem.
• Think Logically: Apply logical steps to arrive at the solution.
• Be Objective: Avoid assumptions not supported by the information provided.
• Manage Time: Do not spend too much time solving just one question; if you find it difficult, move on to the next question.
• Review Answers: If time permits, revisit your answers to check for mistakes.

Also, check out these reasoning topics:

Topics	Topics
Blood Relation Concepts	Floor Based Puzzle Short Tricks
Clock Reasoning Concepts	Puzzle Reasoning Questions
Calendar Reasoning Strategies	Alphanumeric Series Patterns

Aspirants, as of now, you have an idea about how to solve and practice Analytical Reasoning questions. You can also join Oliveboard courses and learn from expert faculties before applying for the next competitive exam.

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