What is the basic definition of cause and effect in reasoning?

A cause is an event or condition that leads to another event (the effect). The effect is the result of the cause.

How many statements are usually given in a CLAT Cause and Effect question?

Two statements. You must determine if one is the cause of the other or if both are independent or effects of a common cause.

What does it mean when two events are said to be "independent causes"?

They are not directly related; each occurs due to separate reasons.

What is a principal cause?

The main or most important reason behind an event — not necessarily the immediate one.

What is an independent cause?

A cause that is unrelated to the given effect and may belong to a completely different context or event.

If Statement A: 'The road was icy.' Statement B: 'The car skidded.' Which is the cause and which is the effect?

A – Cause; B – Effect.

If Statement A: 'The company increased salaries.' Statement B: 'Employees threatened to strike.' Which is the cause and which is the effect?

B – Cause; A – Effect.

What is a necessary condition in cause-effect logic?

A condition that must be present for the effect to occur.

Which type of cause is more important in logical reasoning: principal or immediate?

The principal cause is more important because it explains the deeper reason behind the effect.

What is the correct approach to solving a cause-effect question?

Identify which event logically happens first, determine if there's a direct link between the two, and check for any third-party or hidden causes.

Example: Statement A: 'It rained heavily all night.' Statement B: 'The roads were flooded in the morning.' What is the relationship?

A – Cause; B – Effect.

Example: Statement A: 'The government announced a tax cut.' Statement B: 'Consumer spending increased.' What is the likely relationship?

A – Cause; B – Effect.

Example: Statement A: 'There has been a rise in unemployment.' Statement B: 'Crime rates have increased.' What could be the relationship?

Both could be effects of a common cause, such as economic recession.