Assertion Reasoning: Explanation, Examples, and How to Solve Questions

Introduction

The Assertion-Reasoning type of questions is an important part of competitive exams, logical reasoning tests, and academic assessments. These questions test a student’s ability to analyze statements critically and determine whether one statement logically explains the other.

In this article, we will explain the meaning of assertion and reasoning, the types of assertion-reasoning questions, how to solve them with tricks and examples, and some practice questions for better understanding.

What is Assertion and Reasoning?

1. Assertion (A):

An assertion is a statement of fact or an opinion that is either true or false. It expresses an idea, observation, or claim.

2. Reason (R):

A reason is an explanation or justification for the assertion. It supports or contradicts the assertion by providing a logical basis.

Example:

• Assertion (A): The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• Reason (R): The Sun orbits around the Earth.

Here, the assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.

Types of Assertion-Reasoning Questions

There are generally four types of assertion-reasoning questions that appear in exams:

1. Both Assertion and Reason are Correct, and Reason Explains Assertion

In this case, both statements are true, and the reason correctly explains why the assertion is true.

Example:

• Assertion (A): Metals are good conductors of electricity.
• Reason (R): Metals have free electrons that help in the conduction of electricity.

✅ Here, both statements are correct, and the reason explains the assertion correctly.

2. Both Assertion and Reason are Correct, but Reason Does Not Explain Assertion

Here, both statements are true, but the reason does not provide a valid explanation for the assertion.

Example:

• Assertion (A): The Taj Mahal is made of marble.
• Reason (R): The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

✅ Both statements are correct, but the reason does not explain why the Taj Mahal is made of marble.

3. Assertion is Correct, but Reason is Incorrect

In this case, the assertion is a true statement, but the reason is false or misleading.

Example:

• Assertion (A): Water boils at 100°C under normal atmospheric pressure.
• Reason (R): Water freezes at 100°C under normal atmospheric pressure.

✅ Here, the assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.

4. Both Assertion and Reason are Incorrect

In this case, both statements are false.

Example:

• Assertion (A): The Moon emits its own light.
• Reason (R): The Moon is a star.

✅ Both statements are false because the Moon does not emit its own light, and it is not a star.

How to Solve Assertion-Reasoning Questions?

To solve assertion-reasoning questions correctly, follow these four simple steps:

Step 1: Read the Assertion Carefully

Check whether the assertion is true or false based on your knowledge.

Step 2: Read the Reason Carefully

Determine whether the reason is true or false separately.

Step 3: Check the Relationship Between Assertion and Reason

• If both statements are true, see if the reason correctly explains the assertion.
• If the reason does not explain the assertion, mark the answer accordingly.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Answer Based on Exam Instructions

Most exams provide options like:

1. Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason explains Assertion.
2. Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason does not explain Assertion.
3. Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
4. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Examples of Assertion-Reasoning Questions

Example 1

• Assertion (A): Oxygen is essential for human survival.
• Reason (R): Oxygen helps in respiration, which provides energy to the body.

✅ Correct Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason explains Assertion.

Example 2

• Assertion (A): The Sun rises in the west.
• Reason (R): The Earth rotates from east to west.

❌ Correct Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Example 3

• Assertion (A): Plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.
• Reason (R): Photosynthesis is a process where plants absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

❌ Correct Answer: Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.

Tips and Tricks to Solve Assertion-Reasoning Questions

1. Memorize Key Concepts: Be well-prepared with concepts from subjects like Science, History, and Geography.
2. Analyze Both Statements Separately: First, check if both statements are correct or incorrect individually.
3. Check the Logical Relationship: If both statements are true, see if the reason correctly justifies the assertion.
4. Avoid Guesswork: If unsure, eliminate wrong options logically rather than guessing randomly.
5. Practice Regularly: Solve multiple assertion-reasoning questions to improve accuracy.

Practice Questions for Assertion-Reasoning

Try answering the following questions using the steps we discussed.

Question 1

• Assertion (A): The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.
• Reason (R): It covers more than 60% of the Earth’s surface.

➡ What is the correct answer?

Question 2

• Assertion (A): Sound cannot travel in a vacuum.
• Reason (R): Sound waves need a medium (air, water, or solid) to propagate.

➡ What is the correct answer?

Question 3

• Assertion (A): The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
• Reason (R): The Great Wall is the longest man-made structure in the world.

➡ What is the correct answer?

(Answers: 1) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect. 2) Both are correct, and Reason explains Assertion. 3) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.)