Logical reasoning and reading comprehension sections in competitive exams often feature tricky questions that test your ability to differentiate between what is “probably true” and what is “definitely true.” Mastering these types of questions requires a combination of critical thinking, attention to detail, and a structured approach. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between these two types of questions and provide strategies to help you answer them with confidence.
Understanding the Difference
Definitely True: A statement is definitely true if it is directly supported by the given information. There is no need for additional assumptions, and no alternative interpretations exist.
Example:
Statement: All cats are mammals. Some mammals are domestic animals. Therefore, some cats are domestic animals.
Analysis: This conclusion is not definitely true because the given statements do not confirm that “some cats are domestic animals.” There is a possibility, but not certainty.
Probably True: A statement is probably true if it is likely to be correct based on the given information and logical reasoning, but it is not explicitly stated.
Example:
Statement: A study finds that most people who exercise regularly have better mental health. John exercises regularly. Therefore, John probably has good mental health.
Analysis: The statement suggests a high probability but does not guarantee that John has good mental health. Hence, it is probably true.
Strategies to Solve ‘Probably True’ and ‘Definitely True’ Questions
1. Identify Key Facts and Statements
Carefully read the given statements and focus on explicit details.
Avoid adding outside knowledge or assumptions.
Highlight keywords like “all,” “some,” “none,” “always,” and “never.”
2. Look for Direct Evidence (for Definitely True)
Check if the conclusion can be directly drawn from the given facts.
If even a minor assumption is required, the answer is not “definitely true.”
Verify whether the information is stated explicitly without relying on inference.
3. Assess Likelihood (for Probably True)
If the conclusion is not explicitly stated but has strong supporting evidence, it is probably true.
Consider general trends, research-based information, and logical reasoning to evaluate probability.
Look for words like “most,” “generally,” “often,” which indicate probability rather than certainty.
4. Avoid Extremes
Statements with absolute words like “always” or “never” are less likely to be true unless explicitly supported by the passage.
Probable statements allow for exceptions, while definite statements do not.
5. Use the Process of Elimination
Eliminate answers that contradict the given facts.
If a statement needs extra assumptions, eliminate it from the “definitely true” category.
If a statement seems highly plausible but lacks direct confirmation, categorize it as “probably true.”
Practice Questions with Answers
Try these questions to test your understanding:
Statement: All engineers study mathematics. Some mathematicians are engineers. Therefore, some engineers are mathematicians.
A) Definitely True
B) Probably True
C) Cannot be Determined
Statement: Research shows that children who read daily perform better in academics. Tim reads daily. Therefore, Tim performs well in academics.
A) Definitely True
B) Probably True
C) Cannot be Determined
(Answers: 1-C, 2-B)
Conclusion
Mastering “probably true” and “definitely true” questions requires a logical approach and a keen eye for detail. By practicing these strategies—identifying key facts, differentiating certainty from probability, avoiding assumptions, and eliminating extreme statements—you can significantly improve your accuracy in answering these tricky questions. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be solving them with confidence
