Mastering Critical Reasoning: Strategies and Examples

Critical reasoning questions challenge your ability to analyze, evaluate, and draw logical conclusions from arguments or statements. These questions are common in various competitive exams, including law entrance tests. 

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

Understanding Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning questions assess your capacity to think critically, assess the validity of arguments, and make reasoned judgments based on the information provided. These questions often involve identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and determining the strength of an argument.

Strategies for Solving Critical Reasoning Questions

• Read Carefully: Begin by thoroughly reading the passage, argument, or statement. Pay attention to the details, relationships, and structure presented.
• Identify the Main Point: Determine the main point or conclusion of the argument. This is the central idea that the passage is trying to convey.
• Analyze the Evidence: Evaluate the evidence or premises presented in support of the conclusion. Assess the quality, relevance, and strength of the evidence.
• Identify Assumptions: Look for unstated assumptions that are necessary for the argument to hold. Assumptions are often hidden premises that bridge gaps in reasoning.
• Evaluate Logic: Assess the logical coherence of the argument. Does the evidence logically lead to the conclusion, or are there gaps or leaps in reasoning?
• Consider Counterarguments: Think about potential counterarguments or alternative explanations that could weaken the argument. A strong argument should be able to withstand such challenges.
• Check for Fallacies: Be alert to common logical fallacies, such as irrelevant information, circular reasoning, or ad hominem attacks. Identify any flaws in the argument’s logic.
• Predict Outcomes: Consider the implications or consequences of accepting or rejecting the argument. How does the argument impact the broader context or real-world scenarios?

Practice with Examples

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

Example 1 – Assumption Identification

• Argument: “Increasing taxes on cigarettes will lead to a decrease in smoking rates.”
• Assumption: People are sensitive to changes in cigarette prices and will alter their behaviour accordingly.

Strategy Application:

• Main Point: Increasing taxes on cigarettes reduce smoking rates.
• Assumption: The argument assumes that people will respond to higher prices by reducing their cigarette consumption.

Example 2 – Logic Evaluation

Argument: “All successful entrepreneurs are risk-takers. Mary is a risk-taker, so she will be a successful entrepreneur.”

Evaluation: The argument assumes that being a risk-taker is the only determinant of success in entrepreneurship. However, other factors may contribute to success.

Example 3 – Counterargument Consideration

Argument: “Online education is more effective than traditional classroom learning.”

Counterargument: Online education may lack in-person interaction and personalized support, which are essential for some learners.