Assertion and Reasoning

In this chapter, we will be given an assertion followed by a reason to support it. We have to judge the truth of both the sentences and have to ensure that whether the reason given truly supports the assertion or not.

Assertion is denoted as “A” in the option in the short form and similarly, reason will be shown as “R” in the answering options. The options will have following variety −

Options −

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

When both the assertion and reason are true and reason supports the statement given in the assertion correctly, then option A will be our answer. On the other hand if the assertion and reason both are individually true but the reason does not support the statement given in the assertion correctly, then our answer will be option B.

Sometimes the assertion is true and reason is false or vice versa. In this case our option will be C or D respectively. In some cases, the assertion and reason both are false. In that case option E will be our answer.

Let’s take some sample examples to clear our understanding.

Example-1

Assertion (A): The body structure of the fish is in streamline manner.

Reason (R): It helps the fish to find its way inside the water.

Options −

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false.

Now consider the above example carefully. Here our first step will be to judge the truth of both the sentences. The assertion is correct as fish is living in water, so its body is designed in a streamline manner. Coming to the reason part, this is also correct as the streamline structure of the fish helps it to find its way inside the water.

Now, it is time to judge whether the reason gives a true explanation of the assertion or not. Yes it gives a true explanation of the assertion. Hence we can say that the assertion and reason both are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. Hence our answer option will be A.

Example-2

Assertion (A): If the weather is hot and humid, we feel more comfortable.

Reason (R): If the climate is humid, the evaporation of the sweat is faster.

Options −

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false.

Now consider the above example carefully. Here our first step will be to judge the truth of both the sentences. The assertion is not correct as we all know that when the weather is humid, we do not feel comfortable. Hence option A or B or C cannot be our answer. Now, let’s come to the reason part. This is also not correct as it takes longer time for the sweat to evaporate if the weather is humid.

Hence we know from the above discussion that both assertion and reason are incorrect. Therefore option E will be our answer.