Reasoning-Questions: Types, Sample Questions
Introduction
Reasoning questions, whether verbal reasoning or non-verbal, logical reasoning, or analytical reasoning play a key role in the competitive exams in India and worldwide. These questions help schools and colleges in analysing candidates' analytical skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, calculation proficiency, and the ability to connect different elements.
Usually, reasoning and verbal ability sections are found in the preliminary test or in the initial stages of exams. They serve as a mechanism for further selection rounds, including personal interviews. Continue to read the blog to explore the various categories of logic reasoning questions commonly asked in competitive exams.
Type of Reasoning Questions
To evaluate a candidate’s cognitive abilities in competitive exams, reasoning ability questions are crucial. The Reasoning section can be broadly categorized into two significant types: Logical Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning. For effective exam preparation, understanding Logical and Analytical reasoning questions is important. It enables candidates to enhance skills in both logical and analytical thinking.
Analytical Reasoning
Analytical reasoning questions emphasize the ability to analyze and interpret data, often requiring candidates to solve complex problems by breaking them down into simpler parts. This type of reasoning assesses critical thinking and the ability to connect different elements.
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The topics for Analytical Reasoning include Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Direction Sense Test, Complex Arrangement, Simple & Coded Inequality, Conditions & Grouping, Ranking & Time Sequence Test, etc.
Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning section requires a critical level of thinking to reach the correct conclusion. It involves evaluating arguments, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions based on the given information.
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Under logical reasoning, the topics covered are Statements & Assumption, Syllogism, Puzzles, Constraint-Based Reasoning, Proposition Testing, Course of Action, Assertion and Reason, Input Output Relations, Conclusion Estimation from Passages, Cause and Effect Reasoning, Theme Detection etc.
Further, Logical Reasoning ability is divided into Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning.
Divisions of Logical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning: Analogy, Series Completion, Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams, Sequential Output Tracing, Ranking & Time Sequence Test, Alphabet Test, Logical Sequence of Words, Inserting the Missing Character, Data Sufficiency, Arithmetical Reasoning Questions, Coding-Decoding, Puzzle Test, Eligibility Test, Situation Reaction Test, Assertion & Reason, etc.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Mirror Images, Reverse Images, Spotting Embedded Figures, Figure Matrix, Paper Folding, Cubes & Dice, Construction of Squares & Triangles, Grouping of Identical Figures, Paper Cutting, Rule Detection, Dot Situation, Figure Formation & Analysis, Series, Classification, Analogy etc.
Common Types of Reasoning Questions in Exams
We have provided some of the major types of logic reasoning ability questions and you can also rely on general aptitude books that gives you a conceptual clarity. These are the most commonly asked in different competitive exams. Check below:
Type 1: Coding-Decoding
Type 2: Seating Arrangement
Type 3: Alphanumeric Series
Type 4: Puzzle Test
Type 5: Logical Reasoning
Type 6: Blood Relations
Type 7: Ranking or Direction Test
Type 8: Data Sufficiency Test
Type 9: Syllogism Questions
Sample of Reasoning Questions With Answers
Logical Reasoning Questions
1. In a family, there is are husband-wife, two sons and two daughters. All the ladies were invited to a dinner. Both sons went out to play. The husband did not return from the office. Who was at home?
A. Only wife was at home
B. Nobody was at home
C. Only sons were at home
D. All ladies were at home
(Answer: B)
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2. In Arun’s opinion, his weight is greater than 65 kg but less than 72 kg. His brother doesn’t agree with Arun, and he thinks that Arun’s weight is greater than 60 kg but less than 70 kg. His mother’s view is that his weight cannot be greater than 68 kg. If all are them are correct in their estimation, what is the average of different probable weights of Arun?
A. 67 kg
B. 68 kg
C. 69 kg
D. Data inadequate
(Answer: A)
Blood Relations Reasoning Questions
3. If ‘X $ Y’ means ‘X is father of Y’; ‘X # Y’ means ‘X is mother of Y’; ‘X × Y’ means ‘X is sister of Y’, then how is D related to N in N # A $ B × D?
A. Nephew
B. Grandson
C. Granddaughter
D. Cannot be Determined
(Answer: D)
4. Pointing to a photograph, a man said, “I have no brother or sister but that man’s father is my father’s son.” Whose photograph was it?
A. His own
B. His Son
C. His Father
D. His Grandfather
(Answer: C)
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Coding- Decoding Reasoning Questions
5. If in a certain language, MADRAS is coded as NBESBT, how is BOMBAY coded in that code?
A. CPNCBX
B. CPNCBZ
C. CPOCBZ
D. CQOCBZ
(Answer: B)
6. In a code language, if POSE is coded as OQNPRTDF, then the word TYPE will be coded as
A. SUXZOQFD
B. SUXZQOFD
C. SUXZOQDF
D. SUXZQODE
(Answer: C)
Puzzle Test
7. Four usual dice are thrown on the ground. The total of numbers on the top faces of these four dice is 13, as the top faces showed 4, 3, 1 and 5, respectively. What is the total of the faces touching the ground?
A. 12
B. 13
C. 15
D. Cannot be determined
(Answer: C)
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Direction Test
8. I am facing East. Turning to the right, I go 20 m, then turning to the left, I go 20 m and turning to the right, I go 20 m, then again turning to the right, I go 40 m, and then again, I go 40 m to the right. In which direction am I from my original position?
A. North
B. West
C. South
D. East
(Answer: B)
9. A river flows west to east and, on the way, turns left and goes in a semi-circle around a hillock and then turns left at right angles. In which direction is the river finally flowing?
A. West
B. East
C. North
D. South
(Answer: B)
Seating Arrangement Reasoning Questions
10. A, B, C, D, E, and F are sitting in a row. E and F are in the center. A and B are at the ends. C is sitting to the left of A. Who is to the right of B?
A. D
B. C
C. A
D. F
(Answer: B)
11. Q, R, S, and T are sitting on a bench. P is sitting next to Q, R is sitting next to S, and S is not sitting with T, who is on the left end of the bench. R is in the second position from the right. P is to the right of Q, and T. P and R are sitting together. In which position P is sitting?
A. Between Q and S
B. Between Q and R
C. Between T and S
D. Between R and T
(Answer: B)
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Alphanumeric Series
12. Find the missing element in the series given below:
ABD EFH IJL MNP QRT?
A. ZXA
B. WXY
C. XYZ
D. UVX
(Answer: D)
13. Find the missing element in the series given below:
ACE ? MOQ …..SUW
A. EFH
B. GIL
C. GIK
D. GIM
(Answer: C)
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Syllogism Reasoning Questions
There will be 3 statements that will be given in the questions mentioned below, followed by conclusions: I, II, III, IV. You must accept the provided claims as true, even if they appear to contradict generally known truths. Read the conclusions and then evaluate which of the supplied conclusions logically follows from the given assertions, considering widely known facts.
14. Statements: Some dogs are rats. All cats are chairs. All rats are cats. Conclusion:
I: Some dogs are cats
II: All cats are rats
III: All chairs are dogs
IV: All cats are dogs
A. Only I & II follow
B. Only II follows
C. Only I & IV follow
D. None of these
(Answer: D)
15. Statements: Some ships are boats. All boats are submarines. Some submarines are watches. Conclusion:
I. Some watches are boats.
II: Some submarines are boats.
III: Some submarines are ships.
IV: Some watches are ships.
A. All follow
B. Only II and III follow
C. Only III follows
D. Only IV follow
(Answer: B)
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How to Solve the Logical Reasoning Questions?
Some of the methods to solve Logical Reasoning Questions are:
First, read the question carefully and comprehend it.
Analyze the important data provided.
Consider if there are any alternatives.
Compare the result with the other options to reach a proper logical conclusion.
[Note: One of the most important skills to crack such types of questions is critical thinking ability. With practice, your analytical skills will improve.]
