Cracking Logical Extension Questions: Strategies and Examples

Logical extension questions challenge your ability to infer, deduce and extend information beyond the given context. These questions assess your capacity to think critically, draw logical conclusions and make connections between ideas. 

In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to tackle logical extension questions and provide examples to illustrate each approach.

Understanding Logical Extension Questions

Logical extension questions require you to take the information provided in a scenario and extend it logically to reach a valid conclusion. You need to consider the implications of the given information and draw logical inferences that follow from it.

Strategies for Solving Logical Extension Questions

• Comprehend the Scenario: Read the scenario carefully and grasp the information provided. Understand the relationships and context presented in the scenario.
• Identify Relevant Details: Identify key details, facts and relationships mentioned in the scenario. These details will serve as the foundation for your logical extensions.
• Draw Inferences: Think about what can logically follow from the information presented. What are the natural consequences or outcomes of the given facts?
• Consider Possibilities: Explore different possibilities and scenarios that align with the given information. Consider both direct and indirect implications.
• Apply General Knowledge: Utilise your general knowledge and real-world understanding to make logical connections and draw conclusions that make sense in context.
• Evaluate Consistency: Ensure that your logical extensions are consistent with the information provided in the scenario. Avoid introducing new elements or assumptions.

Practice with Examples

Let’s apply these strategies to a couple of examples:

Example 1:

• Scenario: “John always takes an umbrella with him when he leaves the house. Today, he took an umbrella with him.”
• Question: “What is the most likely reason John took an umbrella?”

Strategy Application:

• Key Details: John always takes an umbrella and he took one today.
• Logical Extension: The most likely reason John took an umbrella is that he anticipated rain or uncertain weather.

Example 2:

• Scenario: “All students who score above 90% receive a scholarship. Maria received a scholarship.”
• Question: “What can you infer about Maria’s score?”

Strategy Application:

• Key Details: Maria received a scholarship and scholarships are awarded to students who score above 90%.
• Logical Extension: You can infer that Maria’s score was above 90%, as this is the condition for receiving a scholarship.

Example 3:

• Scenario: “In the past, every time John skipped breakfast, he felt tired by midday. Today, John skipped breakfast.”
• Question: “What is a likely outcome for John later today?”

Strategy Application:

• Key Details: Skipping breakfast has led to John feeling tired before.
• Logical Extension: A likely outcome for John later today is that he may feel tired by midday due to skipping breakfast.