Nowadays, reasoning section in almost all the major competitive examinations like SBI, IBPS, RBI, and LIC etc. have started included a variety of topics. Statement and Courses of Action is one such major topic of logical reasoning. This has nowadays become a regular feature in the exams.
These questions are a bit different from conventional reaoning type questions. The main feature of these types of questions is that they are designed in such a way that the Decision Making Ability of the candidates can be scrutinized. In simple words, these questions test your ability to judge a problem and thus find a suitable course of action for it.
You have to read the statement, analyse it and identify its cause and thus finally deciding an apt action that should be taken at that situation. Course of Action should be practical and relate with the realistic aspect of life.
What do these Questions contain?
Let’s fragment these steps in parts aand discuss about each one in a lucid manner.
Part 1: Statement
As the name suggests, there will be a statement. The statetement in itself will signify the problem. You have to read the statement and understand the underlying problem in it.
Part 2: Course of Action
The Answer part ie Course of Action is a decision that you suggest in reference to the problem stated in the statement.
Types of Questions asked
If we analyse the questions asked in the examinations till now, we can classify the question into two patterns or types.
1. Problem and Solution based:
In these types of problems, the prescribed course of action can be followed only when it satisfies two criterias. Firstly it solves (or considerably reduces) that pronlem and Secondly it is practacally possible in the real world.
The statement given in the Question talks of a problem and the prescribed course of action talk of its solution.
We have to keep in mind that a prescribed course of acstion that solves the problem, but is not practically possible is of no use and must definitely be rejected.
Example:
Directions: In each question below is given a statement followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. A course of action is a step or administrative decision to be taken for improvement, follow up, or further action in regard to the problem, policy etc.On the basis of the information given in the statement. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true, and then decide which of the two given suggested courses of action logically follows for pursuing.
Give answer:
(a) If only I follows
(b) If only II follows
(c) If either I or II follows
(d) If neither I nor II follows
(e) If both I and II follow
Statement:
A large number of people in Rampur city are diagnosed to be suffering from a dengue.
Courses of Action:
I. The city municipal authority should take immediate steps to carry out extensive fumigation in Rampur.
II. The citizens of Rampur should be advised to take proper steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Answer
Clearly,
I. Elimination of mosquitoes
II. Prevention from mosquitoes
Both the two Courses of Action will prevent dengue and reduce the problem. So, both the courses follow and answer is option (e)
2. Fact and Improvement based:
In these types of problems, the prescribed course of action can be followed only when it satisfies two criterias. Firstly it identifies whether the fact or situation will improve due to the course of action mentioned.Secondly it is practacally possible in the real worldThe statement given in the Question talks of a simple fact (not a problem, just a situation) and the prescribed course of action suggest ways of improvement
These problems generally contain more than one statement and these statements are followed by Courses of Action.
Example:
Directions: In each question below is given a statement followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. A course of action is a step or administrative decision to be taken for improvement, follow up, or further action in regard to the problem, policy etc.On the basis of the information given in the statement. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true, and then decide which of the two given suggested courses of action logically follows for pursuing.
Give answer:
(a) If only I follows
(b) If only II follows
(c) If either I or II follows
(d) If neither I nor II follows
(e) If both I and II follow
Statement:
The teenager was arrested by police for taking drugs
Courses of Action:
I. The teenager should be imposed with a fine of 50000 Rupees..
II. The teenager should be sent to a drug rehabilitation centre
Answer:
Clearly,
I. Imposing fine is not an assurance that teenager will stop drugs.
II. Sending to rehabilitation centre is the right action
So, only second follows and answer is option (b)
Tricks to solve Course of Action based Questions
Following are some of the tips and tricks that you should keep in your mind while solving Course of Action based Questions.
- Always go for impartial and personal thinking.
- Make decisions in sync with the way the system and public departments function
- Existing practices are not effective Course of Action.
- Our decisions and views should be impartial and Act according to the rules of any organization.
- Don’t make your individual perception.
- Try to find the cause of the problem
- Extreme or strict action is not valid course of action.
- The actions should always be a positive.
- It should solve the problem rather than complicating it.
- You can analyse the course of action whether it is a Universal truth, Personal experience or a defined LogicCheck out for practical course of action.
- Generally Simple problems have simple course of action.
- If in any situation, more than one course of action are possible (but are dependent on each other), then your answer should always be “both follow” and not “either of them follows”.
This was all about tips and tricks to Course of Action based questions.So try the above tips and tricks on the Course of Action based questions.
This article is written by Amit Chaudhary, education consultant at MockBank.com, a Bengaluru based online test Preparation Company for government/PSU jobs.
[Source:- Jagranjosh]
