Syllogism (pens, pencils, papers): Determine which conclusions must be true. Statements: S1: Some papers are pens. S2: All the pencils are pens. Conclusions: C1: Some pens are pencils. C2: Some pens are papers. Choose the correct option.
Verbal Reasoning
Syllogism
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AOnly conclusion I follows.
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BOnly conclusion II follows.
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CBoth I and II follow.
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DNeither I nor II follows.
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EBoth (1) and (2) follow
Answer
Correct Answer: Only conclusion II follows.
Explanation
Given data
- S1: Some Papers ∩ Pens ≠ ∅.
- S2: Pencils ⊆ Pens.
Concept / Approach Universal inclusion does not imply existence. From S2 alone, we cannot assert that any Pencil exists to guarantee “Some pens are pencils.” But S1 already guarantees at least one Pen that is also a Paper.
Testing conclusions C1: Not guaranteed; there may be no Pencils at all. “All Pencils are Pens” does not ensure “Some Pens are Pencils.” C2: Guaranteed by S1, because if some Papers are Pens, then some Pens are Papers (same intersection).
Final Answer Only conclusion II follows.