Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): Eskimos reside in igloos. Reason (R): No other material except snow is available.

Introduction / Context:
This Assertion and Reason question deals with the traditional dwellings of Eskimos (more accurately, Inuit and related Arctic peoples) and the materials available in their environment. You must determine whether it is correct that Eskimos reside in igloos and whether the reason, that no other material except snow is available, is a true and valid explanation. Understanding both cultural practices and environmental conditions helps answer this correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Assertion (A): Eskimos reside in igloos. - Reason (R): No other material except snow is available. - Igloos are dome shaped shelters made from blocks of compacted snow, used traditionally in Arctic regions. - Arctic environments also have other materials, such as animal skins, bones and occasionally driftwood.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we first judge whether the assertion is factually correct in a basic educational sense, and then evaluate the reason separately. The assertion reflects the traditional image that Eskimos use igloos as shelters, particularly in winter or for temporary camps. The reason claims that no other building material except snow is available, which is an overstatement. Even in harsh Arctic conditions, people have access to animal hides, bones and sometimes wood, and in modern times many live in conventional houses. Therefore, we expect the assertion to be true in a simplified sense, but the reason to be false.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). In school level geography, it is commonly taught that Eskimos or Inuit people traditionally live in igloos during certain seasons or situations. Even though many now live in modern houses, the statement that Eskimos reside in igloos is accepted as broadly true for the traditional context. Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). The reason claims that no other material except snow is available. This is inaccurate. Arctic peoples have long used other natural materials such as animal skins, bones and driftwood for constructing shelters or covering frames. In coastal areas, they may also use stones. Modern communities additionally use imported construction materials. Step 3: Because the reason asserts an absolute condition no other material except snow is available, it is too strong and not factually correct. Thus, as a general statement, the reason is false. Step 4: Therefore, we have a true assertion and a false reason, which corresponds to the answer pattern A is true but R is false.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine how people would survive if literally only snow were available. They would not have clothing, tools or fuel. In reality, Arctic peoples rely heavily on animal products such as skins for clothing and tent like structures, bones for tools and sometimes wood or other materials for frameworks. Igloos take advantage of snow's insulating properties, but they are not the only type of shelter historically used. Moreover, in many settlements today, permanent wooden or concrete houses are common. This clearly contradicts the claim that no other material except snow is available, confirming that the reason is false.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Saying that both A and R are true would incorrectly accept the absolute statement in R, which is not supported by facts. - Saying that R explains A would be even more incorrect, since the existence of igloos is not due to complete absence of other materials, but due to the advantages of snow as an insulator and building block in certain conditions. - Saying that A is false but R is true contradicts standard educational material about igloos and Arctic peoples. - Saying both A and R are false ignores the well documented use of igloos in traditional Arctic life.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often accept absolute statements like no other material as correct because they sound dramatic, without considering practical realities. Another pitfall is to think of igloos as the only type of dwelling used by Arctic peoples, ignoring tents made from skins and modern housing. To answer Assertion and Reason questions correctly, it is important to consider the literal meaning of the statements and not just whether they sound roughly related.

Final Answer:
The assertion is true, but the reason is false, so the correct choice is A is true but R is false.