Statements & Conclusions • Topic 1 of 4

Statement & Conclusions

A conclusion follows only if it is a logical consequence of the statement — not merely plausible or likely true in the world. Reject conclusions that overstate (add 'all', 'always'), introduce comparisons not given, or require outside facts.

Four tests, one rule each

TypeAsk yourself…
ConclusionDoes it necessarily follow from the statement alone?
AssumptionIs it taken for granted (the statement makes no sense without it)?
ArgumentIs it relevant and significant (strong), or trivial/irrelevant (weak)?
Course of actionDoes it actually solve the problem and is it practical?
The golden rule. Use only the statement plus common knowledge — never your own opinion or extra facts. Reject any conclusion that overstates ("all", "always") or needs information the statement never gave.

✅ Solved examples

1. Statement: 'All the trees in the park are tall.' Conclusion: Some tall things are in the park?
The tall trees are in the park, so some tall things are in the park. Follows.
2. Statement: 'Smoking causes cancer.' Conclusion: One should avoid smoking?
Avoiding a known cause of harm follows reasonably. Follows.
3. Statement: 'The shop opens at 9 am.' Conclusion: The shop is closed before 9 am?
Opening at 9 implies it is not open before 9. Follows.
4. Statement: 'Many students passed the exam.' Conclusion: All students passed?
"Many" does not mean "all". Does not follow.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Statement: 'It rained heavily, so the match was cancelled.' Conclusion: Rain can affect matches?
Direct consequence.
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Follows
2. Statement: 'Some books are interesting.' Conclusion: All books are interesting?
Some ≠ all.
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Does not follow
3. Statement: 'The bridge is closed for repairs.' Conclusion: The bridge is currently unusable?
Closed ⇒ unusable now.
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Follows
4. Statement: 'He scored more than 90%.' Conclusion: He is the topper?
Needs others’ scores.
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Does not follow
5. Statement: 'All metals expand on heating.' Conclusion: Iron expands on heating?
Iron is a metal.
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Follows

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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