Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability – Cause and effect reasoning

Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)

Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)

Preliminary Examination – General Studies Paper II (Objective Type, 200 Marks)

Topic: Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

Sub-Topic: Cause and Effect Reasoning

Directions (Q1–Q30):

Each question contains two statements labeled Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Choose the correct option:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true

MCQ 1

A: Crop yield increased significantly this year.
R: Adequate rainfall occurred during the growing season.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Adequate rainfall is a direct cause of increased crop yield.

MCQ 2

A: Road accidents increased in the city.
R: Many drivers violated traffic rules.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Violation of traffic rules directly causes accidents.

MCQ 3

A: Students performed poorly in the examination.
R: The examination syllabus was reduced.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Reduced syllabus does not logically cause poor performance.

MCQ 4

A: Air pollution levels rose sharply in winter.
R: Temperature inversion occurs during winter.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Temperature inversion traps pollutants, increasing pollution.

MCQ 5

A: The factory was shut down temporarily.
R: Workers went on an indefinite strike.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Strike directly leads to factory shutdown.

MCQ 6

A: Prices of vegetables increased.
R: Heavy floods damaged crops.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Crop damage reduces supply, causing price rise.

MCQ 7

A: Internet services were disrupted.
R: Optical fiber cables were damaged.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Cable damage directly affects connectivity.

MCQ 8

A: The river water level rose suddenly.
R: Continuous heavy rainfall occurred upstream.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Heavy rainfall upstream is a clear cause of rising water levels.

MCQ 9

A: The patient recovered quickly.
R: Timely medical treatment was provided.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Timely treatment accelerates recovery.

MCQ 10

A: The bridge collapsed.
R: The bridge was properly maintained.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Proper maintenance would prevent, not cause, collapse.

MCQ 11

A: School attendance decreased sharply.
R: A viral fever spread in the locality.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Illness causes absenteeism.

MCQ 12

A: Electricity supply was interrupted.
R: A major transformer malfunctioned.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Transformer failure leads to power disruption.

MCQ 13

A: The train reached late.
R: Dense fog reduced visibility.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Poor visibility slows train movement.

MCQ 14

A: Traffic congestion increased during peak hours.
R: Office timings of most organizations are similar.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Similar timings cause simultaneous traffic flow.

MCQ 15

A: The forest fire spread rapidly.
R: Strong winds were blowing in the area.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Wind accelerates fire spread.

MCQ 16

A: Students protested outside the university.
R: Examination results were delayed.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Delay triggered the protest.

MCQ 17

A: Agricultural production declined.
R: Prolonged drought affected the region.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Drought reduces crop productivity.

MCQ 18

A: The company’s profits increased.
R: Operational costs were reduced.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Lower costs improve profit margins.

MCQ 19

A: The city experienced water shortage.
R: Groundwater levels declined significantly.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Falling groundwater levels cause scarcity.

MCQ 20

A: The student was awarded a scholarship.
R: She secured high marks in the examination.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Academic merit is a valid cause for scholarships.

MCQ 21

A: The road remained blocked for hours.
R: A landslide occurred due to heavy rain.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Landslides obstruct transportation routes.

MCQ 22

A: Employees’ productivity declined.
R: Frequent power cuts disrupted work.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Power interruptions affect efficiency.

MCQ 23

A: The lake dried up.
R: There was no rainfall for several months.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Prolonged absence of rainfall causes drying of water bodies.

MCQ 24

A: The patient’s condition worsened.
R: He did not follow the prescribed medication.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Non-compliance leads to deterioration of health.

MCQ 25

A: Online classes were suspended.
R: The internet speed improved significantly.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Improved internet cannot cause suspension of classes.

MCQ 26

A: The exam center witnessed chaos.
R: Seating arrangements were inadequate.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Poor arrangements lead to disorder.

MCQ 27

A: The company lost market share.
R: Its competitors launched innovative products.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Innovation by competitors reduces relative market position.

MCQ 28

A: Road surfaces were damaged.
R: Overloaded vehicles frequently used the roads.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Overloading accelerates road wear and tear.

MCQ 29

A: The water became contaminated.
R: Industrial waste was discharged into the river.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Industrial discharge pollutes water sources.

MCQ 30

A: The meeting was postponed.
R: Key participants were unavailable.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Absence of key members is a valid cause for postponement.

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