CSAT- RC Section

Critical Reasoning Based Passages:

Structure & Strategies

 Know what you’re about to do

• A short passage (called the argument) followed by a

specific question (rarely 2) related to the passage with
4 answer choices will be given.
• For this question type, select the best of the given
answer choices and your answer should always be
based on the passage only.
• CR is largely composed of arguments and
arguments parts.
 Know what you’re about to do
• There are 17 -28 small passages.
• These passages are interspersed throughout the
CSAT Paper.

• It examines skills of Logical Thinking and Critical

Evaluation.

• It is possibly the best tool to examine Analytical

(Administrative) Aptitude.
 CR – Types of Questions

1. Conclusion

2. Assumption

3. Inference

4. Argument Based

a. Strengthening Argument
b. Weakening Argument
c. Flaw in the Argument

5. Resolving Paradox
6. Boldface
 Know what you’re about to do

Make sure you can answer these four questions about every CR
question type:

1. What kind of information do I need to find for this CR question

type?

2. What kind of analysis will I need to do on that information?

3. What characteristics should I expect of the right answer?

4. What characteristics should I expect of the wrong answers?

What’s an Argument ?
 Argument Parts

• An argument (passage) generally consists of

– FACT (S) & CONCLUSION (s)

– Facts support the conclusion: also called Assertion, Evidence,

Premise, Proof, Supposition, Data, Information, Research,
Consideration, Pattern, Explanation, Justification, Situation,
Circumstance, Reasoning, Line of Reasoning, Generalization,
Observation, Support, Example, Finding, Phenomenon, Illustration,
Reason, To Acknowledge, etc.

– Conclusion is what the author tries to establish using facts. Also

known as Judgment, Opinion, Suggestion, View, Idea, Belief, Proposal,
Warning, Forecast, Claim, Stand, Prediction, Hypothesis, POSITION,
Stance, Point, Main Point, Inference, Implication, Generalization,
Contention, Consequence, Argument, To Posit, etc.
Example : Cricketer X has performed disastrously in the last
World Cup. Since then, in almost all the matches, his scores
have been single digit runs. This shows that he has
consistently failed to perform. Therefore, he should be
removed from the team.

The premises are:

(1) Cricketer X has performed disastrously in the World Cup.

(2) His scores have been single digit runs.
(3) He has failed to perform consistently.
The argument above can also be presented as follows:

Example: I think Cricketer X should be removed from the team

as he has consistently failed to perform. Take for instance his
World Cup performance which was disastrous or the matches
later, in which he scored single digit RUNS.

here, the conclusion of the argument is mentioned as the first

sentence of the paragraph. And, the premises follow.
The argument above can also be presented as follows:

Example: Well, Cricketer X has consistently failed to perform so

I think he should be removed from the team. Take his World Cup
performance for instance-- it was disastrous. Or the matches he
played after that--he scored single digit runs.

The conclusion in the above argument follows the first premise.

The other premises follow the conclusion.

Hence, one should be careful in identifying the conclusions and

premises.
 The Argument Structure

So If along with the premises, the conclusion is mentioned in

the argument , you will come across any of the following order-
:
1. C → P1 + P2…….Pn

2. P1 + P2…..Pn → C

3. P1 ….. → C  P2 +….Pn
 CR Questions
Type1 - Conclusion
So, finding the correct conclusion is the
half the job done in CR. If we can
identify the conclusion, everything else
becomes FACT automatically.
 Find the conclusion
1. In a study, infant monkeys given a choice between two
surrogate mothers—a bare wire structure equipped
with a milk bottle, and a soft, cotton-covered wire
structure equipped with a milk bottle—unhesitatingly
chose the latter. When given a choice between a bare
wire structure equipped with a milk bottle and a soft,
cotton-covered wire structure lacking a milk bottle,
they unhesitatingly chose the former.
 Find the conclusion
2. A free marketplace of ideas ensures that all ideas get a fair
hearing. Even ideas tainted with prejudice and malice can
prompt beneficial outcomes. In most countries, however, the
government is responsible for over half the information
released to the public through all media. For this reason, the
power of governments over information needs to be
curtailed. Everyone grants that governments should not
suppress free expression, yet governments continue to
construct near monopolies on the publication and
dissemination of enormous amounts of information.
 Find the conclusion
3. Last month, Sony announced what it described as a unique
new product: an adjustable computer workstation. Three
days later Apple unveiled an almost identical product. The
two companies claim that the similarities are coincidental
and occurred because the designers independently reached
the same solution to the same problem. The similarities are
too fundamental to be mere coincidence, however. The two
products not only look alike, but they also work alike. Both
are oddly shaped with identically placed control panels with
the same types of controls. Both allow the same types of
adjustments and the same types of optional enhancements.
 Find the conclusion (s)
4. It is well known that many species adapt to their
environment, but it is usually assumed that only the most
highly evolved species alter their environment in ways that
aid their own survival. However, this characteristic is actually
quite common. Certain species of plankton, for example,
generate a gas that is converted in the atmosphere into
particles of sulfate. These particles cause water vapor to
condense, thus forming clouds. Indeed, the formation of
clouds over the ocean largely depends on the presence of
these particles. More cloud cover means more sunlight is
reflected, and so the Earth absorbs less heat. Thus plankton
cause the surface of the Earth to be cooler and this benefits
the plankton.
2. Newtonian physics dominated science for over two centuries. It found
consistently successful application, becoming one of the most highly
substantiated and accepted theories in the history of science.
Nevertheless, Einstein’s theories came to show the fundamental limits
of Newtonian physics and to surpass the Newtonian view in the early
1900s, giving rise once again to a physics that has so far enjoyed wide
success.

Which one of the following logically follows from the statements

above?
A. The history of physics is characterized by a pattern of one successful
theory subsequently surpassed by another.
B. Long-standing success or substantiation of a theory of physics is no
guarantee that the theory will continue to be dominant indefinitely.
C. Every theory of physics, no matter how successful, is eventually
surpassed by one that is more successful.

D. If a long-accepted theory of physics is surpassed, it must be surpassed

by a theory that is equally successful.
Example: Rising GDP is by no means enough to create a truly
prosperous nation. Increasing inequalities in income can lead
to social tensions erupting in crime and violence. Only when
the vast majority of people share the benefits of growth will
peace and prosperity co-exist. Equitable distribution is
important too.
Which of the following is the conclusion of the above
argument?

a. GDP growth is impossible without the efforts of the vast

majority.
b. Benefits of economic growth are unfairly divided between
the haves and the have-nots which leads to social tension.
c. GDP growth and equitable distribution of benefits are not
the correct measures of prosperity for many nations.
d. GDP growth and equitable distribution of benefits are
required for a country to be truly prosperous.
5. Rain-soaked soil contains less oxygen than does drier soil. The roots of melon
plants perform less efficiently under the low-oxygen conditions present in
rain-soaked soil. When the efficiency of melon roots is impaired, the roots do not
supply sufficient amounts of the proper nutrients for the plants to perform
photosynthesis at their usual levels. It follows that melon plants have a lower-
than-usual rate of photosynthesis when their roots are in rain-soaked
soil. When the photosynthesis of the plants slows, sugar stored in the fruits is
drawn off to supply the plants with energy. Therefore, ripe melons harvested after a
prolonged period of heavy rain should be less sweet than other ripe melons.
In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following
roles?

• The first states the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second provides
support for that conclusion.
• The first provides support for the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the
second provides evidence that supports an objection to that conclusion.
• The first provides support for an intermediate conclusion that supports a further
conclusion stated in the argument; the second states that intermediate conclusion.
• The first serves as an intermediate conclusion that supports a further conclusion
stated in the argument; the second states the position that the argument as a whole
opposes.
 How to identify the Conclusion
1. With the help of conclusion indicators such as….
2. Any option that is inconsistent with the passage is always
wrong.
3. The correct answer MUST be true, not MAY be true.

4. Elimination is the best strategy. Don’t select the correct

answer. Eliminate wrong ones.

5. Simply ask yourself - ‘What the author is trying to tell you

finally’

The answer to that question is the CONCLUSION.

 Conclusion-Question : Different Versions

1. Which of the following conclusions / assertions / statements

is most strongly supported by the passage?

2. Which of the following must be true as per the passage?

3. The author is arguing that…

4. The main point of the passage is that……

5. Which of the following can complete the passage?

6. Which one of the following is a conclusion that can be drawn
on the basis of the above paragraph?

7. Which one of the following is implied by the argument

above?

8. The author seems to suggest that ……

9. If all the statements above are true, then which one of the
following must also be true?

10. The author of the above passage would most likely agrees
with which one of the following?
 CR Questions
Type 2 - Assumption
 Assumption

We already know what a premise is—a reason the author

presents in the argument in support of his conclusion.

Well, what if the author takes the support of a reason but doesn’t
mention it?

Is that possible?

Let’s see…
Eg. - Priya is an IAS-aspirant, so she must be hardworking.

Priya is an IAS-aspirant….. (and all IAS-aspirants are

hardworking)…… so she must be hardworking.:

▪ Assumption is a hidden premise.

▪ An assumption is something which is assumed, supposed and

taken for granted.

▪ When someone says something he may not put every aspect of

his idea into words. That which is left unsaid or taken for granted
is called an assumption.
Points to be remembered while evaluating assumptions:

#1. When two suggestions / events / facts A and B are connected

by the conjunction,

a) A because / as a result of B
Assumption →B leads to A

b) A therefore / hence B
Assumption → A leads to B

c) A even after / inspite of / despite B

Assumption → Usually A does not occur when B occurs.

Ex: The house was robbed inspite of the tight security in that area.
#2. Whenever you come across a connotative phrase note that-

a) "It is true that" can be expressed as

i) It would be correct to say that....

ii) Even the most sceptic men would agree that......
iii) It can be claimed with reasonable degree of truth that..

b) “It is false” can be expressed as

i) It is highly misleading to say that.....
ii) Nothing could be farther from the truth that....
iii) It is baseless to say that.....
#3. If the statement tells about the existence of something the
assumption should be that it does exists. If it is said that
something is absent, the assumption should be that it not exists.

Eg.

Statement: The increase in the improved number of educated

women.
Assumption: There are educated women in the society.
#4. If an adjective is attached (unconditionally) to any subject, it
must be assumed that the subject does have the quality.

Eg.
Statement : The talkative nature of Rekha attracted everybody's
attention.
Assumption : Rekha is talkative.

Eg.
Statement : The jubilant spectators sang patriotic songs.
Assumption : The spectators were happy.
 #5. Suppose a fact /report / observation / study / data--A followed
by a suggested course of action B, is given. If some negative
aspect of A is mentioned-

Eg. Hiccups in Smart City Project (A) can be overcome through

strategic planning (B).

The valid assumptions can be-

i) A needs improvement.

ii) The negative aspects of A are undesirable

iii) B will improve A

iv) The advantages of adopting B far outweigh the disadvantages

of not adopting it.
#6. Advertisements / notices / appeals

Statements in the form of an advertisement or an official notice

or a notice issued in the public interest or an appeal are often
asked in the exams.

The following assumptions are valid in these cases.

i) An advertisement / appeal / notice does have some effect.

ii) In the case of an advertisement, that which is being

highlighted is looked for and expected by the people.

iii) In the case of a public - interest notice, it is the duty of those

who issue it, to issue such notices.
iv)In case of a public interest notice, what is being advised
must be beneficial for people and its non-practice is harmful
in some way.

v) In case of an appeal, the reason for issuing it exists.

vi) In case of an official notice, the effect of its implementation

will be beneficial for the organisation.

Eg. Don’t lean against the doors – Notice/warning by DMRC

Eg.
1.Statement: Read the study material prepared by XYZ to get a high score in
the exam.
Assumptions:
I Study material prepared by XYZ is of good quality.
II Getting a high score in the exams is desirable.

2. Statement: This book is invested to guide the layman to study tailoring in the
absence of a teacher.
Assumptions:
I. A teacher of tailoring may not be available to everyone.
II. Tailoring can be learnt with the help of a book.

3. Statement: Buy pure and natural pearls of company `X' - an advertisement.

Assumption:
I. Artificial pearls can be prepared.
II. People do not mind paying more for pure and natural pearls.
4. Statement:
“Use our product to improve memory of your child. It is based
on natural herbs and has no harmful side effects.” An
advertisement of a pharmaceutical company.

Assumptions:

I. People generally opt for a medical product which is useful and

has no harmful side effects.

II. Improving memory of child is considered as important by many

parents.
#7. If the given assumption is just contrary to the given statement
or if it is not connected with the given statement then the
assumption can be immediately rejected. In some cases the
assumption is a restatement of the given statement. The
candidate should be careful in evaluating this type of
assumptions.

Eg. Statement: Small things are beautiful.

Invalid assumptions:

I. Big things are not beautiful.

II. Big things are ugly.
III. Small things are not beautiful.
 Assumption-Question : Different Versions

1. Which one of the following is an assumption upon which the

argument depends?

2. The argument assumes which one of the following?

3. The conclusion in the passage above relies on which one of the

following option?

4. The position taken above presupposes which one of the

following?

5. The conclusion cited does not follow unless…..

 How to identify Assumption

1. If conclusion is true then assumption must be true.

Conclusion → Assumption

2. Contrapositive of above statement gives us what we call

DENIAL TEST.

(~ Assumption) → (~Conclusion)

Thus if assumption is negated, argument breaks.

 How to identify the Assumption

Assumptions play two roles:

1. Gap-filler Assumption: These assumptions link together new

elements in the stimulus or fill logical gaps in the argument.

Eg. Mr. Ghosh has been teaching for a decade, so he must

be a good teacher.

2. Defender Assumption: These assumptions contain

statements that eliminate ideas or assertions that would
undermine the conclusion.
Eg. Passage-7
 Difference Between Conclusion and Assumption

Conclusion Assumption

▪ It’s a necessary consequence or ▪ An assumption is something

an outcome of two or more which is unstated, assumed or
propositions taken as premises. supposed.

▪ It is claimed to follow from facts ▪ In a statement every aspect of

that have been put forward. It’s a the idea is not stated; it is left
final summation of the argument. unsaid or taken for granted.

▪ It is based on the statement. ▪ The statement is based on it.

 CR Questions
Type 3 - Inference
 Inference

An inference is a piece of information which can be logically

deducted from the given set of statements.

Eg. You are sitting in this classroom at this moment.

Inference → You can not be present anywhere else at this

moment.
Eg. The lake near your house is now, completely frozen,
however, last night ducks were swimming in it.

Inference → ?

Eg. Everyone who attends this class will be more informed

about Inference and Assumption. Rahul attended this class.

Inference → Rahul is more informed about Inference and

Assumption.

Simple inference and Complex Inference

 Point of Confusion: Inference Vs Assumption

An assumption is a hidden or an unstated premise.

Eg. Everyone who attends this class will be more informed

about Inference and Assumption. Rahul received the recording
of this class through WhatsApp. Hence, Rahul is more informed
about Inference and Assumption.

Assumption → Rahul watches all videos of the class that he

receives through WhatsApp.
 Difference Between Inference and Assumption

Inference Assumption
▪ Question Structure: If the above ▪ Question Structure: Which of
statements are true, which of the the following is the statement on
following must be true? which the argument depends?

▪ It must be true if the given ▪ It must be true for the given

information is true. information to be true.

▪ Rare to have a Conclusion ▪ Necessarily have a Conclusion

(main-point/opinion). (main-point/opinion).
 Difference between Inference and Conclusion

Inference Conclusion

▪ It is a logical deduction. ▪ It is the final summation or

overall assertion or claim.

▪ It is based on the entire set of

▪ The deduction can be based on statements as it is being claimed
one statement or more statements. or established. .
Choose the correct conclusion or conclusions
(any number of answers may be right)

The minimum voting age for males in

Zeroland is 18 years.

A. Every male above 18 can vote in Zeroland.

B. Someone who is not 18 can not vote in Zeroland
C. A male who is not 18 can not vote in Zeroland.
D. For a male to be eligible to vote in Zeroland, he
must be 18 years old.
E. Minimum 18 years of age, is the only criterion for a
male to be eligible to vote in Zeroland
Choose the correct conclusion or conclusions
(any number of answers may be right)

Every male above 18 is allowed to vote in

county X.

A. A male who is not 18 can not vote in county X.

B. For a male to be eligible to vote in county X, he
must be more than 18 years old.
C. For a male to be eligible to vote in county X, he
must be at least 18 years old.
D. Every Male below 18 is not allowed to vote in
county X.
 Understanding Conditional “If-then”

So if X → Y then the following conclusions are

wrong-

1. Y → X
2. X (NOT) → Y (NOT)

Only the following conclusion is right:

Y (not) → X (not)
 Understanding Conditional “If-then”

➢ Consider the following statement-

If one plays in the rain, one gets cold.

➢ Now consider which one follows logically from

above-
1. If one doesn’t play in the rain, one doesn’t get
cold.
2. If one has got cold, one has played in the rain.
3. If one hasn’t got cold, one hasn’t played in the
rain.
 Tone

General attitude that the author displays towards the topic.

#1. It can be broadly classified as positive, negative and neutral. Negative

tones can be very negative and mildly negative.

#2. The tone of a passage can be discerned by studying the nature of the
adjectives / nouns / verbs that the author uses to express his views on the
topic.
 Adjectives that describe various types of tones
#1. If the author is very harsh towards somebody. The tone of passage can be -

acerbic, scathing, cutting, biting, vituperative, vitriolic, searing,

trenchant, harsh, vicious or caustic.

#2. If the author is very hostile towards somebody or something ---

belligerent, bellicose or aggressive

#3 If the author is making fun of something or somebody with a view to belittling it or

showing it in poor light. ----
derisive, contemptuous, ridiculing, scornful, mocking, disparaging,
jeering

#4 If the author is trying to stir up strife ------ incendiary or inciting.

#5 If the author is trying to irritate or annoy somebody ------- provocative

#6 If the author is partial to a certain viewpoint with inadequate justification
biased, coloured, partisan, prejudiced, bigoted or chauvinistic

#7 If the author thinks himself superior to others and tends to talk down to them.
condescending, patronising, supercilious or disdainful

#8 If the author is arrogantly and positively stating something as the truth without
caring to support his claim with evidence.
dogmatic, opinionated, judgemental and peremptory

#9 If the author expects misfortune or the worst possible outcome in the given
circumstance.
hopeless, pessimistic, negative, gloomy and despondent
#1 If the author is hopeful of the prospects of something or somebody and feels that
good things are in store.
optimistic, positive, sanguine, cheerful or buoyant

#2 If the author is praising something or somebody he considers praiseworthy.

laudatory, acclamatory, complimentary or adulatory

#3 If the author has tried to present the topic in a funny and amusing manner with an
express view to entertain the reader.
humourous, tickling, funny or satirical

#4 If the author has attempted to analyse his own mind, feelings, actions, motives etc.
introspective, contemplative , thoughtful, didactic

#5 If the author has tried to encourage somebody to do something constructive.

motivating, inspiring or encouraging

#6 If the author has pity or compassion for somebody’s suffering.

commiserating or sympathetic
If the author does not favour one point of view over another ------- neutral

If the author is expressing regret for something he has said or done ------ apologetic

Writing Style
An author uses a certain writing style according to the purpose he wants to achieve
through his writing. There are four different writing styles .

1. Narrative Style : essentially details a story or incident.

2. Descriptive Style : Informative, describes a person, thing or concept in detail.

3. Persuasive Style : Argumentative in nature.

4. Expository Style : Educative, based on how to do.

 Adjectives that describe the nature or type a passage

Speculative -- it surmises or ponders over various aspects of a given subject or

various outcomes of a course of action.

Romantic -- the views expressed are fanciful and impractical.

Humanistic -- the author evinces keen interest in human affairs, nature, welfare,
values etc.

Technical-- it extensively uses terminology that is specific to a certain field.

Didactic-- its author has attempted to instruct his readers through the passage.

Evocative-- it encourages the reader to construct a mental picture of a place or an

event.

Prescriptive – It gives solutions or suggestions to a problem or an issue.

 Idea Organisation Format

In order to convey his ideas or thoughts clearly and effectively the author writes his
points in a logical order, a structured format. Some common formats are-

1. Issue or Problem -- Solution

2. Cause – Effect

3. Idea – Explanation –Example

4. List of Items

5. Generalisation – Qualification

6. Comparison (Similarities and Contradictions)

7. Analysing -- Clarifying