Syllogism — Books, magazines, and novels: Statements: • Some books are magazines. • Some magazines are novels. Conclusions: (I) Some books are novels. (II) Some novels are magazines.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only (II) follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem tests the difference between an overlap that is directly stated and a transitive overlap that is not guaranteed.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Some Books are Magazines.
  • Some Magazines are Novels.


Concept / Approach:
From the second premise, the intersection Magazines ∩ Novels is non-empty; therefore (II) is immediately true. However, the first premise links Books to Magazines, not directly to Novels; the overlapping subsets could be disjoint inside Magazines, so (I) is not necessary.


Step-by-Step:
1) Use premise 2 to assert ∃ (Novels ∩ Magazines).2) Premise 1 asserts ∃ (Books ∩ Magazines).3) The two “some” groups inside Magazines need not be the same individuals, so (I) is not compelled.


Verification:
Draw Magazines as a large set with two disjoint pockets: one overlapping Books, another overlapping Novels. Premises hold while (I) fails.


Final Answer:
Only (II) follows.

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