Syllogism: Meaning, Reasoning Questions, Mock Test, Types

Syllogism is the most important chapter of logical reasoning. It consists of the statements and conclusions you have to determine the findings of the given statements which conclusion follows the statement and which doesn’t follow the statements. In many cases, given statements seem illogical, but you have to assume the statements are 100% true.

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This Story also Contains

1. Introduction to Syllogism
2. Types of Syllogism in Reasoning
3. Points to Keep in Mind While Solving Syllogism Questions in Reasoning
4. Solved Practice questions on Syllogism
5. Syllogism Questions for VITEEE/ CUET
6. Syllogism Questions for KMAT/ SUAT/ JIPMAT/ MAT
7. Syllogism Questions for SSC/ RRB exams
8. Syllogism Questions for Banking/ Insurance exams

Introduction to Syllogism

In syllogism, you have to keep one thing in mind you don’t need to assume anything from the outer world you have to just focus on the given statements to derive the conclusions.
Nowadays syllogism has become an essential chapter in all government exams. For most of the exams, questions are asked from this chapter. Mostly, it consists of a weightage of 4-5 questions in banking and CAT exams and 2-3 questions in SSC, Insurance, Defence and other exams. Thus, understanding this chapter is quite important.

Types of Syllogism in Reasoning

There are five types of Syllogism -

1) Basic Syllogism
2) Either-or Case / Neither-Nor Case of Syllogism

3) Only and Only a Few Cases of Syllogism

4) Coded Syllogism
5) Sequential Syllogism
Let’s discuss all the types in detail -

1. Basic Syllogism

The basic syllogism is the easiest. This type of syllogism is asked in clerical and Group D exams. It consists of two or more statements and you have to derive conclusions from the given statements with the help of Venn diagrams. In many cases given statements and conclusions may seem to be illogical. But you have to assume the given statements to be 100% true to derive the conclusions.
Firstly, let’s understand the presentation of given statements with the help of the following cases -
1) All X are Y

2) Some X are Y

3) Some X are not Y

4) No X is Y

Point to remember before proceeding to examples: The rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Example:
Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically and definitely follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

I. All Fingers are Hands.

II. Some Hands are Seconds.

III. All Seconds are Clocks.

Conclusions:

I. Some Clocks are Hands.

II. Some Fingers are Clocks.

1) Both conclusions (I) and (II) follow

2) Both conclusions (I) and (II) do not follow

3) Only conclusion (I) follows

4) Only conclusion (II) follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some Clocks are Hands – From the Venn diagram, we can see that the two circles representing clocks and hands intersect and have a part of their area in common. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): Some Fingers are Clocks – From the Venn diagram, we can see that there is no definite relation between fingers and clocks. So, this conclusion does not follow.

So, the only conclusion I follow. Hence, the third option is correct.

2. Either-or Case / Neither-Nor Case of Syllogism

In this type, you have to remember the complementary pairs of either or case. When two conclusions having the same subject and predicate are not true or not even false at the same time, it is a case of complementary. In this case, students need to remember the given points to make either or case -

1. The subject and Predicate or the given classes in the conclusions should be the same.

2. One conclusion should be affirmative and the other should be negative.

3. The result should be ‘not follow’ of both the conclusions

Example:
Directions: In the question two statements are given, followed by two conclusions, I and II. You have to consider the statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follows from the given statements.

Statements:

l. No mobile is an electronic item.

ll. All electronic items are costly.

Conclusions:

I. No costly is a mobile.

II. Some costly are mobile.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Either conclusion I or II follow

4) Only conclusion I follow

Solution:
The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): No costly is a mobile – According to the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between costly and mobile. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (II): Some costly are mobile – According to the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between costly and mobile. So, this conclusion does not follow.

But, Some + No is a complimentary pair, it can be concluded that either conclusion I or conclusion II follows. Hence, the third option is correct.

Neither-Nor case of syllogism - When the conclusions can not be drawn from the given statements the result for 2 conclusions can be written as ‘neither nor’ in many cases of syllogism.

Example:
Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

All triangles are squares.

Some squares are circles.

Some triangles are pyramids.

Conclusions:

(I) Some circles are pyramids.

(II) All pyramids are triangles.

1) Only conclusion (I) is true

2) Both conclusions (I) and (II) are true

3) Neither conclusion (I) nor (II) is true

4) Only conclusion (II) is true

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some circles are pyramids – From the diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between pyramids and circles. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (II): All pyramids are triangles – From the diagram, it is evident that the circles representing pyramids and triangles overlap each other. So, it can be concluded that only some pyramids are triangles.

So, neither conclusion (I) nor (II) is true. Hence the third option is correct.

3. Only and Only a Few Cases of Syllogism (including possibility)

It is an advanced level of syllogism. These types of questions are mostly seen in Bank PO exams and CAT exams. Till now we have marked the conclusion as true if we are 100% sure that the conclusion is derived from the statement but in possibility type if a given conclusion is true in any one of the possible diagrams, then the possibility is considered to be true.

Below are the diagrams to understand the definite and possible diagrams:

1. All X are Y.

2. Some X are Y.

3. Some X are not Y.

4. No X is Y.

Example:
Directions: Two Statements are given followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. Assuming the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

Most red are yellow.

Some yellow are green.

Conclusions:

I. Some green are yellow.

II. Some green is red.

1) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

2) Only conclusion II follows

3) Both conclusions I and II follow

4) Only conclusion I follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some green are yellow – According to the Venn diagram, some parts of the circle of green intersect with the circle of yellow and have some common parts between them. Therefore, some green are yellow is true conclusion.

Conclusion (II): Some green is red – According to the Venn diagram, there is no direct relation between green and red. Therefore, some green are red is a false conclusion.

So, the only conclusion I follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Example:
Directions: Two Statements are given followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. Assuming the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:
Some cats are rats.
Some lions are rats.
No parrot is cat.
Conclusions:
I) All lions being parrots is a possibility.
II) Only a few rats are cats.
1) Only I follows

2) Only II follows
3) Both I and II follows

4) Neither I nor II follows

5) Either I or II follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let’s analyse the conclusions -
Conclusion (I) All lions being parrots is a possibility - From the Venn diagram above, It is seen that there is no direct relation between lions and parrots is given. Therefore, all lions being parrots is a possibility. So, this conclusion follows.
Conclusion (II) Only a few rats are cats - From the Venn diagram above, it is given that some cats are rats. But there is no restriction imposed on them. Therefore, we cannot say that only a few rats are cats. So, this conclusion doesn’t follow.

Hence, the first option is correct.
4. Coded Syllogism

Coded syllogism comes under the category of advanced syllogism. The questions from this portion are mostly seen in the main exams of banking such as IBPS PO, SBI PO etc. In coded syllogism, you are provided with statements and conclusions in the coded form. You need to decode the statements and conclusions to find the answer.
Example:

Directions: In the given question below, some symbols are used with the meaning. The information provided below is the coded statements followed by the three conclusions. You have to decode the provided information. Read all the conclusions and decide which conclusions logically follow from the given statements.
A @ B means Only a few B are A
A # B means All B are A
A $ B means No B is A
Statements:
M @ N # O $ P; M # R
Conclusions:
I) All P is N is a possibility.
II) No N is M.
III) Some P is not M.

1. Only II and III follow

2. Only I and III follow

3. Only I follows
4. Only III follows
5. None follows

Solution:
Given:

Statements:M @ N = Only a few N is M.
N # O = All O is N.
O $ P = No P is O.
M # R = All R is M.
Therefore, the possible Venn diagram for the given statement is:

Conclusions:
I) All P is N is a possibility - There is no negative or direct relation given between P and N. Therefore, there is a possibility that all P is N. So, this conclusion follows.
II) No N is M - As shown in the Venn diagram, It is definite that some M is N because the circles of M and N overlap. Therefore, it is a false conclusion.
III) Some P is not M - There is a possibility that some or all P is M as there is no direct relation given between them. Therefore, it is a false conclusion.
So, only the conclusion I follows. Hence, the third option is correct.

5. Sequential Syllogism

Sequential syllogism comes under the category of advanced syllogism. The questions from this portion are mostly seen in the main exams of banking such as IBPS PO, SBI PO, UGC NET etc. In this type, statements are given followed by the options. You need to determine the set in which the third statement can be logically concluded from the first two statements.

Example:
Directions: Arrange the statements in a logical sequence
I) All animals have legs.
II) Some animals are cats.
III) All cats can walk.
1) I, II, III
2) II, III, I
3) III, II, I
4) II, I, III
Solution:
The correct logical sequence is:
All animals have legs (I); Some animals are cats (II); All cats can walk.
Hence, the first option is correct.

Points to Keep in Mind While Solving Syllogism Questions in Reasoning

1) To draw a definite relation, a direct relation should be given in the statements between the elements or classes.

2) If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them or vice versa.
3) If two conclusions form a complementary pair having the same subject and predicate but one of the conclusions is true, then it will not form an either-or case.

Solved Practice questions on Syllogism

1. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

Some daisies are lilies.

All roses are lilies.

Some tulips are daisies.

Conclusions:

(I) Some lilies are tulips.

(II) Some roses are daisies.

1) Only conclusion (II) follows

2) Only conclusion (I) follows

3) Both conclusions (I) and (II) follow

4) Neither conclusion (I) nor (II) follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –
Conclusion (I): Some lilies are tulips – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between lilies and tulips. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (II): Some roses are daisies – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between roses and daisies. So, this conclusion does not follow.

So, neither conclusion I nor II follows. Hence the fourth option is correct.

2. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

Some hockey are bats.

All bats are racquets.

No stick is a racquet.

Conclusions:

I. Some sticks are bats.

II. Some sticks are hockey is a possibility.

III. All hockey are racquets.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Both conclusions II and III follow

4) Only conclusion I follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some sticks are bats – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is a negative relation between sticks and bats. So, it can be concluded that no sticks are bats.

Conclusion (II): Some sticks are hockey is a possibility – It is a possibility that the circle representing hockey overlaps the circle representing sticks. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (III): All hockey are racquets – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that only some part of the circle representing hockey is overlapped by the circle representing racquets. So, it can be concluded that only some hockey are racquets.

3. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:
Some dietitians are surgeons.
All surgeons are therapists.

No therapist is a physician.

Conclusions:
(I) Some therapists are dietitians.

(II) No dietitian is a physician.

1) Only conclusion I follows

2) Only conclusion II follows

3) Both conclusions I and II follow

4) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some therapists are dietitians – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the two circles representing therapists and dietitians overlap and have a part of their area in common. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): No dietitian is a physician – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between dietitians and physicians. Thus, no definite relation can be drawn. So, this conclusion does not follow.

From the above, the only conclusion I follows. Hence, the first option is correct.

4. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusions logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

All movies are bottles.

Some bottles are steel.

All steel is cupboards.

Conclusions:

I. Some movies are bottles.

II. Some cupboards are steel.

1) Only conclusion (II) follows

2) Neither conclusion (I) nor (II) follows

3) Only conclusion (I) follows

4) Both conclusions (I) and (II) follow

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: Some movies are bottles – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the circle representing movies lies inside the circle representing bottles. Since all movies are bottles, some movies will definitely be bottles. Therefore, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion II: Some cupboards are steel – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing the cupboard lie inside the circle representing steel. So, it can be concluded that some cupboards are steel.

From the above, both conclusions I and II follow. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

5. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow[s] from the statements.

Statements:

Some stars are buttons.

No buttons are clips.

All buttons are ribbons.

Conclusions:

I. Some stars are ribbons.

II. Some ribbons are buttons.

1) Both conclusions (I) and (II) follow

2) Only conclusion (I) follows

3) Neither conclusion (I) nor (II) follows

4) Only conclusion (II) follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: Some stars are ribbons – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the two circles representing stars and ribbons overlap and have a part of their area in common. So, it can be concluded that some stars are ribbons.

Conclusion II: Some ribbons are buttons – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing ribbons lie inside the circle representing buttons. So, it can be concluded that some ribbons are buttons.

So, both conclusions I and II follow. Hence, the first option is correct.

6. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

I. Some buses are motorbikes.

II. All motorbikes are vans.

III. All buses are cars.

Conclusions:

I. Some cars are vans.

II. Some vans are buses.

III. Some vans are motorbikes.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) All conclusions I, II and III follow

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Both conclusions I and II follow

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some cars are vans – From the Venn diagram, we can see that the two circles representing cars and vans intersect and have a common area between them. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): Some vans are buses – From the Venn diagram, we can see that the two circles representing vans and buses intersect and have a common area between them. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (III): Some vans are motorbikes – From the Venn diagram, we can see that the circle representing motorbikes is completely inside the circle representing vans. So, some vans are motorbikes is a true conclusion.

So, all conclusions I, II, and III follow. Hence, the second option is correct.

7. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically and definitely follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

|. Some Salts are Baths.

||. All Tubs are Drums.
|||. Some Baths are Tubs.

Conclusions:

I. Some Salts are Tubs.

||. Some Drums are Baths.

1) Both conclusions I and II follow

2) Both conclusions I and II do not follow

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Only conclusion II follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: Some Salts are Tubs – According to the Venn diagram, there is no direct relation between salt and tubs. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Conclusion II: Some Drums are Baths – According to the Venn diagram, the circle of drums and baths intersect and have a common area between them. Therefore, this conclusion is true.

So, the only conclusion II follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

8. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

I. All forests are deserts.

II. Some deserts are valleys.

III. All valleys are hills.

Conclusions:

I. No hill is a forest.

II. Some deserts are hills.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Both conclusions I and II follow

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: No Hill is a Forest – According to the Venn diagram, there is no direct relation between hills and forests, it is a possibility but is not definite. So this conclusion is false.

Conclusion II: Some Deserts are Hills – According to the Venn diagram, the circle of desert and hill intersect and have some common area between them. Therefore, some deserts are hills is a true conclusion.

So, the only conclusion II follows. Hence, the first option is correct.

9. Directions: In the following question, three statements are given followed by three conclusions I, II, and III. You have to consider the two statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

All chickens are birds.

Some chickens are hens.

Female birds lay eggs.

Conclusions:

I. All birds lay eggs.

II. Some hens are birds.

III. Some chickens are not hens.

1) Conclusions II and III follow

2) All conclusions I, II, and III follow

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Only conclusion II follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: All birds lay eggs – According to the given statements, it is clear that female birds lay eggs, but birds can be both male and female. So, it can be concluded that only some birds lay eggs not all. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: Some hens are birds – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the circles representing hens and birds overlap each other and have a part of their areas in common. So, from this, it can be concluded that some hens are birds. Thus, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion III: Some chickens are not hens – According to the given statements, it is clear that there is a possibility that some chickens may not be hens but it is not definite. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Therefore, only conclusion II follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

10. Directions: In the following question, two statements are given followed by two conclusions I and II. You have to consider the two statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

All men are employees.

No employees are professionals.

Conclusions:

I. No men are employees.

II. No men are professionals.

1) Only I follows

2) Only II follows
3) Neither I nor II follows

4) Both I and II follow

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: No men are employees – Based on the given statements, it is given that all men are employees. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: No men are professionals – Based on the given statements, it is given that all men are employees and no employees are professionals. From this, it can be inferred that no men are professionals. So, this conclusion follows.

Therefore, only conclusion II follows. Hence, the second option is correct.

11. Directions: In the following question, two statements are given followed by two conclusions I and II. You have to consider the two statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

All Americans are English speakers.

No English speakers are Eskimos.

Conclusions:

I. No Eskimos are Americans.

II. No Eskimos are English speakers.

1) Only I follows

2) Neither I nor II follows

3) Only II follows

4) Both I and II follow

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –
Conclusion I: No Eskimos are Americans – Based on the given statements, it is given that all Americans are English speakers and no English speakers are Eskimos. From this, it can be inferred that no Eskimos are Americans. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion II: No Eskimos are English speakers – Based on the given statements, it is given that no English speakers are Eskimos. So, this conclusion follows.

Therefore, both conclusions follow. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

12. Directions: In the following question, three statements are given followed by four conclusions, I, II, III, and IV. You have to consider the statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from the commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

All clerks are superintendents.

All superintendents are managers.

All managers are supervisors.

Conclusions:

I. All supervisors are clerks.

II. Some clerks are supervisors.

III. Some managers are clerks.

IV. All superintendents are clerks.

1) Only conclusions I and II follow

2) Only conclusions II and III follow

3) Only conclusions III and IV follow

4) Only conclusions IV and I follow

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: All supervisors are clerks – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing supervisors lie outside the circle representing clerks while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some supervisors are clerks. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: Some clerks are supervisors – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the circle representing clerks completely lies inside the circle representing supervisors. So, from this, it can be concluded that all clerks are supervisors. Thus, if all clerks are supervisors, then some clerks will definitely be supervisors. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion III: Some managers are clerks – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing managers lie outside the circle representing clerks while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some managers are clerks. Therefore, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion IV: All superintendents are clerks – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing superintendents lie outside the circle representing clerks while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some superintendents are clerks. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Therefore, only conclusions II and III follow. Hence, the second option is correct.

13. Directions: In the following question, two statements are given and four conclusions I, II, III, and IV. You have to consider the two statements true even if they seem at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

Anand is an artist.

Artists are beautiful.

Conclusions:

1. All beautiful people are artists.

2. Anand is beautiful.

3. Anand is not beautiful.

4. Beautiful people are not artists.

1) Only conclusion I follows

2) Only conclusion II follows

3) Only conclusion III follows

4) Only conclusion IV follows

Solution:

Based on the given statements, let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: All beautiful people are artists – Based on the given statements, it is clear that artists are beautiful. But it does not mean that all beautiful people are also artists. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: Anand is beautiful – Based on the given statements, artists are beautiful, and Anand is an artist, which implies that Anand is beautiful. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion III: Anand is not beautiful – Based on the given statements, artists are beautiful, and Anand is an artist, which implies that Anand is beautiful. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion IV: Beautiful people are not artists – Based on the given statements, it is clear that artists are beautiful. But it does not conclude that beautiful people are not artists. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Therefore, only conclusion II follows. Hence, the second option is correct.

14. Directions: In the following question, two statements are given followed by two conclusions I and II. You must consider the two statements true even if they seem at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

I. All English movies are violent.

II. Some people like watching English movies.

Conclusions:

I. All people watching English movies like violence.

II. All people who like violence watch English movies.

1) Only I follows

2) Only II follows

3) Neither I nor II follows

4) Both I and II follow

Solution:

According to the given statements –

Conclusion I: All people watching English movies like violence – According to the given statement, all English movies are violent. Therefore, we can conclude that all people watching English movies like violence. So, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion II: All people who like violence watch English movies – According to the given statement, all English movies are violent and some people like watching English movies. Therefore, we cannot conclude that all people who like violence watch English movies. So, this conclusion does not follow.

So, only I follows. Hence, the first option is correct.

15. Directions: In this question, three statements are given, followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. Assuming the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the conclusions logically follows/follow from the statements.

Statements:

I. Some rings are fingers.

II. Some fingers are toes.

III. No toe is an earring.

Conclusions:

1. No earring is a ring.

II. Some toes are rings.

1) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

2) Only conclusion II follows

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Both conclusions I and II follow

Solution:

According to the given statements, the following diagram can be drawn:

Conclusion I: No earring is a ring – From, the above diagram, it can be seen that there is no direct relation between earring and ring. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Conclusion II: Some toes are rings – From, the above diagram, it can be seen that there is no direct relation between toes and rings. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Therefore, neither conclusion I nor conclusion II follows according to the given statements. Hence, the first option is correct.

16. Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to consider the given statements true even if they seem at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

(I) All spoons are forks.

(II) Some forks are sticks.

(III) No stick is a knife.

Conclusions:

(I) Some knives are forks.

(II) No stick is a spoon.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some knives are forks – According to the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between knives and forks. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Conclusion (II): No stick is a spoon – According to the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between a stick and a spoon. Therefore, this conclusion is false.
So, neither conclusion I nor II follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

17. Directions: In the following question, two statements are given followed by two conclusions I and II. You must consider the two statements true even if they seem at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusions, if any, follow from the given statements.

Statements:

I. Some human creatures are angels.

II. All doctors are angels.

Conclusions:

I. Some human creatures are doctors.

II. Some doctors are human creatures.

1) Only I follows

2) Only II follows

3) Either I or II follows

4) Neither I nor II follows

Solution:

According to the given statements, the following Venn diagram can be drawn –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: Some human creatures are doctors – From the above diagram, there is no direct relation between human creatures and doctors. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: Some doctors are human creatures – From the above diagram, there is no direct relation between doctors and human creatures. So, this conclusion does not follow.

So, neither I nor II follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

18. Directions: In this question, three statements are given, followed by two conclusions. Assuming the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the conclusions logically follows/follow from the statements.

Statements:

I. No streak is a line.

II. Some lines are bonds.

III. All bonds are flashes.

Conclusions:

I. Some flashes are streaks.

II. No flash is a line.

1) Only conclusion I follows

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Only conclusion II follows

4) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: Some flashes are streaks – From the above diagram, it can be seen that there is no direct relation between flashes and streaks. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Conclusion II: No flash is a line – From the Venn diagram, it can be seen that the circle of flash and line intersect and have some common area between them and it implies that some flash are lines. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Therefore, neither conclusion I nor II follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.
19. Directions: Three statements are given, followed by four conclusions numbered I, II, III, and IV. Assuming the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

Some desks are trays.

Some trays are plates.

Some plates are desks.

Conclusions:

I. All desks are plates.

II. All plates are desks.

III. Some plates are trays.

IV. All trays are desks.

1) Only conclusion III follows

2) Only conclusion IV follows

3) Only conclusion II follows

4) Only conclusion I follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: All desks are plates – From the above diagram, it is clear that only some parts of the circle that are desks overlap with the circle that is plate. So, only some desks are plates. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: All plates are desks – From the above diagram, it is clear that only some parts of the circle that are plates overlap with the circle that is desks. So, only some plates are desks. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion III: Some plates are trays – From the above diagram, it is clear that only some parts of the circle that are plates overlap with the circle that is trays. So, only some plates are trays. Therefore, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion IV: All trays are desks – From the above diagram, it is clear that only some parts of the circle that are trays overlap with the circle that is desks. So, only some trays are desks. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

So, only conclusion III follows. Hence, the first option is correct.
20. Directions: Some statements are given followed by four conclusions numbered I, II, III, and IV. You have to consider the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follows from the given statements.

Statements:

All the teachers are actors.

Some actors are women.

Conclusions:

I. All the teachers are women.

II. Some women are teachers.

III. Some women are actors.

IV. All the actors are teachers.

1) Only Conclusion I follows

2) Only Conclusions II and IV follow

3) Only Conclusion III follows

4) None of the Conclusions follows

Solution:

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion I: All teachers are women – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between teachers and women. So, no definite relation can be drawn between them. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion II: Some women are teachers – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between teachers and women. So, no definite relation can be drawn between them. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion III: Some women are actors – From the given Venn diagram, it is evident that the circles representing women and actors overlap and have a part of their area in common. So, from this, it can be concluded that some women are actors. Therefore, this conclusion follows.
Conclusion IV: All actors are teachers – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing actors lie outside the circle representing teachers while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some actors are teachers. Therefore, this conclusion does not follow.

Therefore, the only conclusion III is true. Hence, the third option is correct.

Syllogism Questions for VITEEE/ CUET

1) Directions: In the following question some statements are given, followed by some conclusions based on those statements. Taking the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows the given statements.

Statements:

I. All S is R.

II.No R is T.

Conclusions:

I. No T is R.

II. No S is T.

III. No R is S.

1) All conclusions follow

2) Both conclusions I and III follow

3) Both conclusions II and III follow

4) Both conclusions I and II follow

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): No T is R – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is a negative relation between R and T. So, from this, it can be concluded that no R is T. Thus, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): No S is T – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that all S is R and no R is T. So, from this, it can be concluded that no S is T. Thus, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (III): No R is S – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing R lie outside the circle representing S while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some R is S. Thus, this conclusion does not follow.

So, both conclusions I and II follow. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2) Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

I. All Hulk are Thor.

II. All Thor are Flash.

Conclusions:

I. All Hulk are Flash.

II. No Thor is a Hulk.

1) Neither I nor II follows

2) Only I follows

3) Only II follows

4) Both I and II follow

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): All Hulk are Flash – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the circle representing Hulk completely lies inside the circle representing Flash. So, from this, it can be concluded that all Hulk are flash. Thus, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): No Thor is a Hulk – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing Thor lie inside the circle representing Hulk while some lie outside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some thor are hulk. Thus, this conclusion does not follow.

So, the only conclusion I follows. Hence, the second option is correct.

Syllogism Questions for KMAT/ SUAT/ JIPMAT/ MAT

1) Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

(I) Some books are horse.

(II) All horses are animals.

(III) Some animals are oceans.

Conclusions:

(I) Some horses are oceans.

(II) Some animals are books.

1) Both conclusions (I) and (II) are true

2) Only conclusion (I) is true

3) Only conclusion (II) is true

4) Neither conclusion (I) nor (II) is true

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram as per the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some horses are oceans – From the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between horses and oceans. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (II): Some animals are books – From the Venn diagram, there is some region common to both animals and books. So, this conclusion follows.

Thus, the only conclusion (II) is true. Hence, the third option is correct.

2) Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to consider the given statements true even if they seem at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:

(I) All spoons are forks.

(II) Some forks are sticks.

(III) No stick is a knife.

Conclusions:

(I) Some knives are forks.

(II) No stick is a spoon.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default and if there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram according to the statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): Some knives are forks – According to the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between knives and forks. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

Conclusion (II): No stick is a spoon – According to the Venn diagram, there is no definite relation between a stick and a spoon. Therefore, this conclusion is false.

So, neither conclusion I nor II follows. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Syllogism Questions for SSC/ RRB exams

1) Directions: In the following question below are given some statements followed by some conclusions based on those statements. Taking the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows the given statements.

Statements:

I. Some R is C.

II. All R is K.

Conclusions:

I. All K is R.

II. All C is R.

III. All C is K.

1) Both conclusions II and III follow

2) Both conclusions I and III follow

3) Neither conclusion follows

4) All conclusions follow

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): All K is R – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing K lie outside the circle representing R while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some K is R. Thus, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (II): All C is R – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the two circles representing C and R overlap and have a part of their areas in common. So, from this, it can be concluded that some C is R. Thus, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (III): All C is K – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the two circles representing C and K overlap and have a part of their areas in common. So, from this, it can be concluded that some C is K. Thus, this conclusion does not follow.

So, none of the conclusions follows. Hence, the third option is correct.

2) Directions: In the question below two statements are given, followed by two conclusions, I and II. You have to consider the statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follows from the given statements.

Statements:

I. All parrots are birds.

II. Some birds are butterflies.

Conclusions:

I. All butterflies are parrots.

II. Some parrots are butterflies.

1) Both conclusions I and II follow

2) Only conclusion II follows

3) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

4) Only conclusion I follows

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): All butterflies are parrots – It is a possibility that the circle representing butterflies is completely overlapped by the circle that represents parrots. But, this is not definite. So, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (II): Some parrots are butterflies – It is a possibility that the two circles representing parrots and butterflies overlap and have a part of their area in common. But, this is not definite. So, this conclusion does not follow.

So, neither conclusion I nor II follows. Hence, the third option is correct.

Syllogism Questions for Banking/ Insurance exams

1) Directions: In the question two statements are given, followed by two conclusions, I and II. You have to consider the statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions, if any, follows from the given statements.

Statements:

I. Each correct is wrong.

II. No wrong is right.

Conclusions:

I. No correct is right.

II. Some wrongs are correct.

1) Only conclusion II follows

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Only conclusion I follows

4) Neither conclusion I nor II follows

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): No correct is right – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that all correct is wrong and no wrong is right. So, from this, it can be concluded that no correct is right. Thus, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): Some wrongs are correct – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing wrong lie outside the circle representing correct while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some wrongs are correct. Thus, this conclusion follows.

So, both conclusions I and II follow. Hence, the second option is correct.

2) Directions: In the following question below are given some statements followed by some conclusions based on those statements. Taking the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows the given statements.

Statements:

I. All T is P.

II. All P is L.

Conclusions:

I. All T is L.

II. All L is P.

III. Some P is T.

1) Both conclusions II and III follow

2) Both conclusions I and II follow

3) Both conclusions I and III follow

4) All conclusions follow

Hint: Think about the rule of syllogism that the relation of 'All' covers the relation of 'some' by default. If there is a direct negative relation between two elements then no positive relation can be drawn between them.

Solution

The possible Venn diagram according to the given statements is as follows –

Let's analyse the conclusions –

Conclusion (I): All T is L – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the circle representing T completely lies inside the circle representing L. So, from this, it can be concluded that all T is L. Thus, this conclusion follows.

Conclusion (II): All L is P – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing L lie outside the circle representing P while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some L is P. Thus, this conclusion does not follow.

Conclusion (III): Some P is T – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that some parts of the circle representing P lie outside the circle representing T while some lie inside. So, from this, it can be concluded that some P is T. Thus, this conclusion follows.

So, both conclusions I and III follow. Hence, the third option is correct.

About the Faculty
Tanu Gupta, with over a decade of experience as a reasoning faculty, specializes in preparing students for various entrance examinations and career development. Her extensive work with multiple educational platforms and institutions has honed her expertise in logical and analytical thinking. Her dedication to innovative teaching methods ensures these articles provide practical insights and expert guidance.