If–Then Reasoning: Two Valid Forms and Two Traps
Label the IF part and the THEN part, then check which one the fact touches: two forms give a certain answer, two give "cannot be determined".
What it is
An if–then statement (a conditional) joins two parts:
If the bell rings, the guard opens the gate.
- The IF part (P), also called the antecedent: the bell rings.
- The THEN part (Q), also called the consequent: the guard opens the gate.
The statement promises one thing only: whenever P happens, Q happens. It does not say Q happens only because of P.
Why it matters on the exam
Conditional items appear in the logic part of Analytical Ability (Professional). They give a rule and a fact and ask what follows, or ask how true a conclusion is (definitely true, definitely false, probably true, cannot be determined). Two of the four possible facts lead to a sure answer and two lead to "cannot be determined". Even printed answer keys get this wrong, so knowing the four cases earns easy points.
Office rules, memos and laws are full of if–then statements; reading them exactly avoids wrong decisions.
(1) Ana is assigned to the front desk. (2) Ana is wearing the office ID lace.
For each fact, is "Ana wears the lace" / "Ana is at the front desk" certain?
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- How to recognize it on the test
- What to look for (4 checks)
- All 7 rules and tools
- 5 worked examples, every step explained
- 6 common mistakes and how to fix them
- 3 exam techniques
- Remember: 5 key points
- Practice questions with explanations, and your progress saved
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