Logical Reasoning Information, Examples & Practice

Here are four examples of logical reasoning example questions. Choose the correct answer for each question:

1. Choose the image that completes the pattern.

Answer Explanation: Each square contains three shapes. The black circle is the only shape that constantly appears. It “travels” along the column, up and down, one step at a time. The other shapes appear in two consecutive squares and then do not appear in the next square. The shape that remains in the frame (in regards to the last step from the left) maintains its relative position to the other shape (not the circle).

2. If there are no dancers that aren’t slim and no singers that aren’t dancers, then which statements are always true?

1. There is not one slim person that isn't a dancer.
2. All singers are slim.
3. Anybody slim is also a singer.
4. None of the above.

Answer: The correct answer is B, "All singers are slim."

Answer Explanation: The tricky part here is that the question is phrased negatively. This means that you first need to identify the nature of each group, and then establish the relationship between the groups. If you draw a diagram (as in the example above), the relationship between the groups becomes clearer. The only true statement is that all singers are slim.

3. Dan is Joshua's son and Guy's brother. Margaret is Guy's mother and Judy's daughter. Which of the statements below is definitely true?

1. Judy is Dan's mother-in-law.
2. Margaret is Dan's mother.
3. Judy is Joshua's grandmother.
4. None of the above.

Answer: The correct answer is D, "None of the above."

Answer Explanation: Dan and Guy are siblings. However, you do not know if they are full siblings or half brothers. Margaret, who is Guy's mother, might not be Dan's mother, and Joshua, who is Dan's father, might not be Guy's father. Therefore, the answer is "None of the above."

4. The following is data supplied by the cabbage growers union report for 2007: 80% of cabbages collected were heavy (over 0.5 kg), 10% of cabbages were green, 60% were red, and 50% were big (having a diameter of over 10 cm). Which of the following statements must be false?

1. All red cabbages weren’t big.
2. 30% of red cabbages were big.
3. There were no cabbages that were both green and big.
4. Half of the cabbages were small.

Answer: The correct answer is A, "All red cabbages weren't big."

Answer Explanation:

You must check the authenticity of each statement.

1. All red cabbages weren’t big: You know that 60% of cabbages picked were red and only 50% were big. Therefore, there is an overlap (60% + 50% = 110% > 100%). The statement must be false, so you can assume that this is the correct answer.
2. 30% of red cabbages were big: You know that 60% of cabbages were red and 50% were big, so there must be an overlap of at least 10% (60% + 50% = 110% > 100%). However, you don’t know the extent of the overlap. This statement may be true, but you don’t know for sure. Remember, the question asks you which statement must be false.
3. There were no cabbages that were both green and big: You know that 10% of the cabbages were green and 50% were big, so there may not be an overlap between the two (10% + 50% = 60% < 100%). This statement can be ruled out, as it may or may not be false. You're only looking for a statement that must be false.
4. Half of the cabbages were small. You know that 50% (i.e. one half) of the cabbages are big, so the other half may be small. This would make this statement true. And remember, you're looking for a false statement.

For free Watson Glaser practice questions click here!