Verbal Reasoning for SSC CGL
Master Logical Thinking with Words
1. Introduction
Verbal Reasoning is the ability to understand and reason using concepts framed in words. It tests how well a candidate can extract meaningful information from given statements, identify logical relationships, and draw valid conclusions.
In simple terms — it's thinking through language.
In SSC CGL and other competitive exams, verbal reasoning helps examiners evaluate your ability to analyze information, comprehend arguments, and think critically — all using words and sentences rather than numbers or patterns.
2. Why It's Important
Verbal Reasoning questions are essential because they reflect your:
- Analytical thinking – judging whether an argument or statement is valid.
- Decision-making skills – understanding the logic behind actions or conclusions.
- Reading comprehension – interpreting information accurately and quickly.
- Critical reasoning – differentiating between facts, assumptions, and conclusions.
These questions often appear in Tier-I and Tier-II exams, under the "General Intelligence and Reasoning" section. Scoring well here can significantly boost your overall marks.
3. Types of Verbal Reasoning Questions
Here are the major topics you'll encounter:
- Analogy
- Classification (Odd One Out)
- Series (Alphabet, Number and Mixed)
- Coding Decoding
- Blood relations
- Direction sense test
- Alphabet test
- Ranking and Order test
- Mathematical Operations
- Syllogism
- Statement & Conclusions
- Cause & Effect
- Course of action
- Decision making
Each of these requires logical interpretation and structured thinking rather than memorization.
4. How to Approach Verbal Reasoning Questions
- Read Carefully – Understand exactly what is stated; don't assume anything.
- Identify the Core Idea – Every question tests a specific reasoning type (e.g., assumption, cause, or argument).
- Avoid Overthinking – Stick strictly to the information provided.
- Practice Regularly – Verbal reasoning improves only with exposure to different question types.
- Time Management – Aim to answer each question in under a minute.
5. Example
Statement: All successful people are disciplined. Some students are successful.
Conclusion: I. Some students are disciplined. II. All students are disciplined.
Answer: Only Conclusion I follows.
Explanation: The logic of syllogism helps you reach this conclusion.
6. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
Example (SSC CGL 2022):
Statement: All flowers are plants. Some plants are trees.
Conclusions: I. All trees are flowers. II. Some flowers are trees.
Answer: Neither follows.
Explanation: The information doesn't confirm any direct relation between trees and flowers.
7. Quick Recap
- Verbal Reasoning = Reasoning through words.
- Focus areas: Statements, Assumptions, Conclusions, Arguments, etc.
- Always rely on given facts; never assume beyond them.
- Speed and accuracy are equally important.
8. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. Statement: All cats are animals. Some animals are wild.
Conclusion:
(a) Some cats are wild.
(b) No cat is wild.
(c) Both (a) and (b) follow.
(d) Neither follows.
2. Statement: Some pens are pencils. All pencils are erasers.
Conclusion:
(a) Some pens are erasers.
(b) Some erasers are pens.
(c) Both (a) and (b) follow.
(d) None follows.
Click for Answers
1. (d) Neither follows
Explanation: No direct relation established between cats and wild animals.
2. (c) Both (a) and (b) follow
Explanation: If some pens are pencils and all pencils are erasers, then some pens must be erasers, and consequently some erasers are pens.
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