A character sketch of Ajit from 'Matchbox' by Ashapurna Debi

How to Answer Assertion-Reason Questions

Assertion-Reason questions are designed to test your conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. Each question consists of two statements:  
Assertion (A): A statement of a fact, opinion, or idea.  
Reason (R): A statement that attempts to explain or give a cause for the assertion.  

Step-by-Step Strategy to Solve Them:
Step 1: Evaluate each statement independently. Read the Assertion (A) first. Determine if it is True or False based on the text. Then, read the Reason (R) independently and determine if it is True or False.  If either statement is false, your job is easy! You can immediately choose the option that marks one as true and the other as false (e.g., Option C or D).  
Step 2: Check for a causal link. If both statements are True, you must figure out if the Reason correctly explains why the Assertion happened or is true.  
Step 3: Use the "Because" test. Read the Assertion, insert the word "because" at the end, and then read the Reason. If the combined sentence makes logical sense and accurately reflects the story, then the Reason explains the Assertion (Option A). If both are true but the link doesn't make sense, they are independent truths (Option B).  

Assertion-Reason Questions
Directions (Questions 1–3): Evaluate both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R), and choose the option that best explains how they are related:  
A. Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason explains Assertion.  
B. Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason does not explain the Assertion.  
C. Assertion is true, but Reason is false.  
D. Assertion is false, but Reason is true.  

Qn 1
Assertion (A): After the funeral, the villagers left Maggie all alone in the old tumble-down hut.  
Reason (R): Maggie was hopelessly disabled due to a spinal injury, and none of the villagers wanted to take on the burden of a bed-ridden child.  

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Both statements are true. The villagers left Maggie behind specifically because she was disabled and no one wanted to care for a bed-ridden child, making the reason a correct explanation of the assertion.  

Qn 2
Assertion (A): Joe Thompson wrapped Maggie gently in clean bedclothes and carried her to his home in his strong arms.  
Reason (R): Joe Thompson's wife, Jane, was a saintly and self-denying woman who had asked him to bring the sick child back with him.  
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Assertion is true because Joe did carry Maggie home out of pity. However, the Reason is false; Jane Thompson was described as "vinegar-tempered," was not given to self-denial, and initially reacted with anger and astonishment when Joe brought Maggie home.  

Qn 3
Assertion (A): Maggie's presence brought light, blessing, and sunshine into the dreary household of the poor wheelwright.
Reason (R): Mrs. Jane Thompson's heart softened because Maggie looked up to her with love, patience, and gratitude, giving her something to care for outside of herself.  
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Both statements are true. The reason accurately explains why Maggie brought light and blessing to the home—her sweet nature and vulnerability awakened slumbering human feelings in Mrs. Thompson's heart, transforming the household's atmosphere.