CAT Logical Reasoning Cheat Sheet
1) Assumption Questions
- An assumption is an unstated idea that must be true for the argument to work.
- It connects the evidence (premise) to the conclusion.
- How to solve: Find the missing link. Use the Negation Test: negate the option - if the argument
breaks, it is an assumption.
- Example: 'Students will use the extra library hours to study.' Negate: 'They will not use them' ->
argument fails, so it is an assumption.
2) Strengthen/Weaken Questions
- Strengthen: Add info that makes the conclusion more likely.
- Weaken: Add info that makes the conclusion less likely.
- How to solve: Find the conclusion and premises. Add or break the link.
- Example: Argument - 'Gym opened -> obesity dropped.'
Strengthen: 'Most people who lost weight joined the gym.'
Weaken: 'People lost weight due to a diet, not the gym.'
3) Inference Questions
- An inference must be true based only on what is given.
- Do not add your own assumptions.
- How to solve: Stick strictly to the passage. Avoid extremes unless 100 percent supported.
- Example: 'All birds have feathers. A sparrow is a bird.'
Inference: 'A sparrow has feathers.'
Negation Test
- Used for Assumption questions only.
- Flip the option: if the argument collapses, it is an assumption.
- Example: Argument - 'Library hours help scores.' Option - 'Students will use extra hours to study.'
Negate - 'They will not use them' -> argument fails -> so it is an assumption.
How to Spot Them
- Assumption: depends on, relies on, assumes.
- Strengthen/Weaken: strengthens, supports, undermines, weakens.
- Inference: implies, suggests, can be inferred, must be true.
Keep this handy when you practice!
