SSC CGL Tier 1
Statement & Conclusion
Statement and Conclusion is a topic where one or more statements are given followed by some conclusions. You have to decide which conclusion logically follows from the given statement. Unlike Syllogism, here the statements are based on real world facts and you have to use common sense along with logic.
Key Difference Between Syllogism and Statement & Conclusion:
| Syllogism | Statement & Conclusion |
|---|---|
| Statements may be unrealistic | Statements are based on real world |
| Pure logic only | Logic + Common sense |
| Venn diagram method used | Analytical thinking used |
| Fixed rules apply | Judgment based |
Golden Rules:
Rule 1 - The conclusion must directly follow from the statement. Do not add extra assumptions.
Rule 2 - The conclusion should not be too broad or too narrow compared to the statement.
Rule 3 - A conclusion that is already a known universal fact does not follow from the statement - it is independent.
Rule 4 - Always choose the conclusion that is the most direct and logical outcome of the statement.
Types of Statement & Conclusion Questions:
Type 1 - Single Statement Multiple Conclusions
Example:
Statement: Regular exercise improves health and increases life expectancy.
Conclusion 1: People who exercise regularly live longer.
Conclusion 2: Exercise is the only way to stay healthy.
Analysis:
Conclusion 1 - directly follows from the statement.
Conclusion 2 - the statement says exercise improves health but does not say it is the ONLY way. Too extreme.
Answer: Only Conclusion 1 follows.
Type 2 - Cause and Effect
Example:
Statement: The government has decided to increase the price of petrol.
Conclusion 1: The cost of transportation will increase.
Conclusion 2: People will stop using vehicles.
Analysis:
Conclusion 1 - directly and logically follows.
Conclusion 2 - too extreme. Price increase does not mean people will STOP using vehicles.
Answer: Only Conclusion 1 follows.
Type 3 - Policy Based Statements
Example:
Statement: The school has made attendance of 75% compulsory for all students to appear in exams.
Conclusion 1: Students with less than 75% attendance cannot appear in exams.
Conclusion 2: All students will now attend school regularly.
Analysis:
Conclusion 1 - directly follows from the policy.
Conclusion 2 - cannot be guaranteed. Some students may still be absent.
Answer: Only Conclusion 1 follows.
Type 4 - Statistical Statements
Example:
Statement: A survey shows that 70% of people in the city prefer online shopping over offline shopping.
Conclusion 1: Majority of people in the city prefer online shopping.
Conclusion 2: Offline shops will close down soon.
Analysis:
Conclusion 1 - 70% is majority. Directly follows.
Conclusion 2 - preference for online shopping does not guarantee closure of offline shops.
Answer: Only Conclusion 1 follows.
Words That Make a Conclusion Too Extreme:
Watch out for these words in conclusions - they usually make the conclusion NOT follow:
- Only, Always, Never, All, None, Every, Completely, Entirely, Impossible, Certainly
Words That Make a Conclusion Moderate and Likely to Follow:
- Some, Many, Most, Generally, Usually, Often, May, Might, Can
How to Solve Statement & Conclusion Questions:
Step 1 - Read the statement carefully and understand its main point.
Step 2 - Read each conclusion one by one.
Step 3 - Check if the conclusion directly comes from the statement without adding extra assumptions.
Step 4 - Reject conclusions that are too broad, too narrow or too extreme.
Step 5 - The correct conclusion is one that is a logical and direct outcome of the statement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Mistake 1 - Using outside knowledge to validate a conclusion. Only use what is given in the statement.
Mistake 2 - Accepting conclusions with extreme words like always, never, only. These are almost always wrong.
Mistake 3 - Confusing a possible outcome with a definite conclusion. A conclusion must definitely follow, not just possibly follow.
Important Tips:
- Read the statement 2 times before checking conclusions
- Eliminate extreme conclusions first - saves time
- If two conclusions seem correct, pick the one more directly supported by the statement
- 2 to 3 questions come from this topic in SSC CGL every year
- This topic is easier than Syllogism - always attempt it in exams