Assertion reasoning questions test your ability to analyze a statement (assertion) and determine whether a given reason supports that statement. To solve these questions, follow these steps:
1. Understand the Assertion and Reason
- Carefully read the assertion and reason, identifying the key concepts and relationships.
- Paraphrase the assertion and reason in your own words to ensure you fully grasp their meaning.
2. Determine the Relationship
- Does the reason provide a valid explanation for the assertion? If yes, the relationship is strong.
- Does the reason contradict the assertion? If yes, the relationship is weak.
- Does the reason provide irrelevant information or fail to address the assertion? If yes, the relationship is weak.
3. Analyze the Reason's Logic
- Is the reason based on factual evidence or logical reasoning? If yes, the reason is more likely to be valid.
- Does the reason contain any fallacies or biases? If yes, the reason is less likely to be valid.
- Does the reason make any assumptions that are not explicitly stated? If yes, the reason may be weak or misleading.
4. Consider Alternative Explanations
- Can other factors or reasons explain the assertion? If yes, the reason may not be the sole or most significant factor.
- Are there any potential counterarguments to the reason? If yes, the reason may be less convincing.
5. Formulate Your Conclusion
- Based on your analysis, determine whether the reason supports, contradicts, or is irrelevant to the assertion.
- Express your conclusion clearly and concisely.
Example
Assertion: The increase in the use of smartphones has led to a decline in reading habits.
Reason: People spend more time on their phones, browsing social media and playing games, leaving less time for reading.
Analysis:
- The reason provides a plausible explanation for the assertion, as spending more time on phones could reduce time dedicated to reading.
- The reason is based on logical reasoning and has some factual basis, as smartphone usage has increased significantly.
- However, other factors could also contribute to a decline in reading habits, such as the availability of other forms of entertainment or a shift in reading preferences.
Conclusion: The reason partially supports the assertion, but other factors may also play a role.
By following these steps, you can effectively analyze and solve assertion reasoning questions.
