Here are some strategies to improve your logical reasoning skills:
Before you dive into questions:
Get familiar with question types: There are various logical reasoning question formats, like strengthening arguments, identifying flaws, and recognizing assumptions. Understanding the question type helps you approach it strategically .
Practice identifying arguments: An argument presents a claim supported by reasons. Being able to dissect arguments into their components is crucial for logical reasoning .
Approaching logical reasoning questions:
Read the question stem first: Knowing what kind of question you're dealing with (e.g., weaken the argument) guides how you read the passage .
Carefully analyze the argument: Identify the conclusion (what the argument is trying to prove) and the premises (reasons supporting the conclusion) . Look for keywords that signal these parts (e.g., "therefore" for conclusion).
Be critical of the reasoning: Don't just accept what the argument says as true. Look for weaknesses, unsupported claims, or missing information .
Answering the questions:
Don't jump to answer choices: Analyze the argument first, then evaluate the answer choices based on your analysis.
Beware of tempting but incorrect answers: Some answer choices might seem appealing at first glance but won't logically follow from the argument .
Consider the answer choices comparatively: Eliminate answer choices that are obviously wrong based on your analysis of the argument .
General Tips:
Practice regularly: The more you practice logical reasoning questions, the better you'll become at identifying patterns and applying strategies .
Time management: Logical reasoning sections often have time constraints. Practice answering questions within a set time frame.
Review your mistakes: Analyze why you got questions wrong and learn from them to avoid similar mistakes in the future .
There are also resources available online and in libraries that provide practice logical reasoning questions and explanations for the answers.