Must Be True EXCEPT vs. Cannot Be True

[rbolin]

What is the difference between a Must Be True EXCEPT and a Cannot Be True question?

[Dave Killoran]

Hi R,

Good question! A Must Be True Except question actually asks for what is Not Necessarily True (something that does not have to be true and might not be ever true), whereas a Cannot Be True question asks for something that Cannot Be True, or something that is never true.

Must Be True Except question:

• 4 incorrect answers = Must Be True
  1 correct answer = Not Necessarily True

Cannot Be True question:

• 4 incorrect answers = Could Be True
  1 correct answer = Cannot Be True

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[rbolin]

Thanks!

[dinoram]

I understand that "Must Be True EXCEPT" means that the four incorrect answer choices will all be true and the one incorrect answer will not necessarily be true (as in; it does not need to be provably false).

However, I am confused how this question stem is identified as "Cannot Be True."

"If the statements above are true, then each of the following could be true EXCEPT..."

After trying to make sense of it in my head, my gut is telling me the reason that it is "Cannot Be True" has something to do with the phrase "could true EXCEPT..."

So if anyone could clarify how the phrase "could be true EXCEPT" makes it Cannot Be True, I would be greatly appreciative!

[dinoram]

By the way, just to explain why I am confused...

I am at work studying my Logical Reasoning flashcards (don't tell my boss! )

This question stem is identified as "Must Be True EXCEPT":
"All of the following can be properly inferred from the information above EXCEPT:"

What is the difference between these two (2) questions stems?

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi dinoram,

Thanks for your question. The flashcards are a great way to procrastinate at work and brush up on your logical reasoning, but I hope that's not all you're doing. The notion of logical opposites is discussed in depth in the Logical Reasoning Bible, which you should be studying as well

Regarding your questions, a "Must Be True, EXCEPT" stem requires you to identify the answer choice that does not need to be true (i.e. not necessarily true, or could be false). The four wrong answer choices will be provably true.

A stem such as "All of the following can be properly inferred from the information above EXCEPT:" is identical in meaning to a "Must Be True, EXCEPT" stem. Functionally, there is no difference between the two.

Onto your second question: the logical opposite of "could be true" is "cannot be true." So, if a stem says, "... each one of the following could be true, EXCEPT", then the four wrong answer choices could be true, and the one correct answer choice cannot be. This is why the stem is identified as Cannot Be True.

Once again, make sure to study Logical Oppositions, which is a chapter in the beginning of both the Logical Reasoning and the Logic Games Bibles.

Good luck!

[dinoram]

Thanks so much for your prompt response! And don't worry; I'm definitely using more than the flash cards. The cards are amazing for when I'm on the go or at work, and I want to get in some studying. I did read that section about logical opposites but I must have missed it. I'll revisit that chapter tonight! Thanks again!

[Arindom]

Hi,

Must be True Except could also means the answer choice could be true, right?

Thanks.

- Arindom

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Arindom,

The correct answer would be something that could be true, but does not necessarily need to be true. The four incorrect answer choices would be provably true statements.

Thanks,