Logical Reasoning and Analytical Thinking
Skills tested
This domain tests deduction (syllogisms and conditional reasoning), inference (what follows necessarily versus what is merely plausible), sequencing (ordering events under constraints), and data interpretation (reading tables and charts accurately). Master the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions: "if P then Q" does not license "if Q then P". Learn to negate statements correctly, to identify the assumption behind an argument, and to spot logical fallacies such as affirming the consequent, circular reasoning and false dilemma. In sequencing puzzles, draw a grid or timeline and apply constraints one at a time, eliminating possibilities. In data interpretation, read the units and the base of percentages before computing, and check whether the question asks for absolute or relative change.
Traps
Questions offer an answer that is true in the real world but not supported by the passage, or one that reverses the conditional. Watch for distractors that answer a different question, and for percentage questions where the base changes between years.
Worked example
"All civil servants are public officials. Some public officials are elected." The only valid conclusion is that some public officials are civil servants; concluding that some civil servants are elected is invalid.
Rule of thumb
For every inference, ask: could the premises be true and the conclusion false? If yes, the inference fails.