Understanding Syllogisms

A worksheet for 7th graders to practice identifying and analyzing syllogisms, focusing on logical reasoning and drawing conclusions.

Grade 7 ELA ReadingReading Comprehension StrategiesSyllogism

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Includes

TextMultiple ChoiceFill in the BlanksTrue / FalseShort Answer

Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.8CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1

Topics

ELAGrade 7SyllogismLogicReading ComprehensionReasoning

7 sections · Free to use · Printable

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Understanding Syllogisms

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Read the following information about syllogisms carefully. Then, complete the exercises that follow. A syllogism is a form of logical reasoning that draws a conclusion from two given or assumed propositions (premises).

What is a Syllogism?

A syllogism is a three-part argument that consists of two premises (statements) and a conclusion. If the premises are true, and the syllogism is structured correctly, then the conclusion must also be true. Here's the basic structure:

Premise 1: All birds have feathers.

Premise 2: A robin is a bird.

Conclusion: Therefore, a robin has feathers.

In a valid syllogism, the conclusion logically follows from the premises. If the premises are true, the conclusion cannot be false.

1. Read the following syllogism. Which statement is the conclusion?

Premise 1: All mammals can breathe air. Premise 2: Whales are mammals. Conclusion: Therefore, whales can breathe air.

All mammals can breathe air.

Whales are mammals.

Therefore, whales can breathe air.

All animals can breathe air.

2. Complete the following syllogisms by filling in the missing premise or conclusion.

a. Premise 1: All dogs are loyal. Premise 2: Fido is a dog. Conclusion:

b. Premise 1: All fish live in water. Premise 2: Conclusion: Therefore, a clownfish lives in water.

c. Premise 1: Premise 2: My bicycle has wheels. Conclusion: Therefore, my bicycle is a vehicle.

3. Determine if the conclusion of each syllogism logically follows from the premises. Mark 'T' for True if it does, and 'F' for False if it does not.

a. Premise 1: All cats like to sleep. Premise 2: My pet is a cat. Conclusion: My pet likes to sleep.

True

False

b. Premise 1: Some students like pizza. Premise 2: Sarah is a student. Conclusion: Sarah likes pizza.

True

False

4. Write your own valid syllogism with two premises and a conclusion. Make sure your conclusion logically follows from your premises.

Premise 1:

Premise 2:

Conclusion: