Analytical Ability


3.1.1 Question format
Each analytical reasoning question is a logical puzzle, based on a given set of conditions. Like mathematical questions, these questions have exactly one correct answer, which is what you need to select. 
Analytical reasoning questions are presented in groups of four or five questions. Each group is based on a short passage followed by a set of conditions. Occasionally, there are graphs and tables instead of a passage. To understand the general format of the question, consider the following example. 
Question 1-4:
As part of their sports physical, seven college athletes F, G, H, I, J, K and L are being weighed. In announcing the results of the physical exams, the coach has given the following information. 
i. None of the athletes is exactly the same weight as another athlete. 
ii. K is heavier than L, but lighter than H. 
iii. I is heavier than J 
iv. Both F and G are heavier than H. 

1 Each of the following could be true EXCEPT 
A. F is the heaviest. 
B. G is the heaviest. 
C. I is the heaviest. 
D. More than three athletes are heavier than K. 
E. More than three athletes are lighter than K. 

2 Which of the following, if true, would be sufficient to determine which athlete is the lightest? 
A. I is the heaviest 
B. I is lighter than K 
C. K is heavier than J 
D. J is heavier than K 
E. Exactly five students are lighter than F. 

3 If J is heavier than F, how many different rankings by weight, of the athletes are possible? 
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 E. 5

4 If H is heavier than I, which of the following CANNOT be true? 
A. I’s weight is equal to the average of F’s weight and G’s weight. 
B. I’s weight is equal to the average of K’s weight and L’s weight 
C. J’s weight is equal to the average of K’s weight and L’s weight 
D. J is the second lightest. 

Answers:
1. E 2. D 3. C 4. A 

3.1.2 How to attempt
• Simplify the information by using abbreviations and symbols. The first step is to strip away all of the excess verbiage from the given passage and then to abbreviate the remaining key words with single letters. For example, in the question statement “five musicians a bassist, a drummer, a guitarist, a pianist, and a trumpeter are performing in a talent show”, you should immediately abbreviate them B, D, G, P and T. You can use abbreviated letters to represent a whole sentence also. You should use symbols to represent conditions. You may develop your own symbolic conventions for this. The objective is to convert the problem into notations, so that, it is easily understandable. The following is a basic set of symbols, which are most commonly used.
‘A’ represents the statement “Akbar is going”. 
‘B’ represents the statement “Babur is going”.

1 comment:

  1. All the competitive exams generally examine analytical ability of the students. That is why such type of IQ level and logical questions are asked. Although the LSAT Prep is having a huge set of notes to provide extraordinary coaching to everyone opting for law entrance. Their fee structures and packages are also nominal.

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