PassCCAT
Syllogisms

How to solve syllogisms

Verbal

Read two premises and decide which conclusion must logically follow.

Worked examples

Answers shown

Follow the steps on real items before you practise.

Example 1Difficulty 1

Premise 1: Some scholars are hunters. Premise 2: No tailors are hunters. Conclusion: Some scholars are not tailors. If both premises are true, the conclusion is:

Answer: A. Here is why:

  1. Check the conclusion against every situation the premises allow.
  2. The conclusion is true.
Example 2Difficulty 1

Premise 1: All tailors are pilots. Premise 2: All bakers are tailors. Conclusion: Some bakers are not pilots. If both premises are true, the conclusion is:

Answer: D. Here is why:

  1. Check the conclusion against every situation the premises allow.
  2. The conclusion is false.
Example 3Difficulty 1

Premise 1: No dancers are clerks. Premise 2: Some poets are not dancers. Conclusion: Some poets are not clerks. If both premises are true, the conclusion is:

Answer: C. Here is why:

  1. Check the conclusion against every situation the premises allow.
  2. The conclusion is impossible to determine from the premises alone.