In Class 8 Science Reason and Assertion questions are commonly used to test students’ conceptual understanding. These questions require students to evaluate a statement (Assertion) and determine whether the accompanying Reason correctly explains it.
Understanding how to approach Reason and Assertion questions can significantly improve problem-solving skills in Science. This topic explains the format of these questions strategies to answer them and examples based on Class 8 Science topics.
What Are Reason and Assertion Questions?
In Reason and Assertion (R-A) questions two statements are provided:
- Assertion (A): A statement that presents a fact or claim.
- Reason (R): A statement that attempts to explain why the assertion is true or false.
The student must analyze both statements and choose the correct answer based on their relationship.
Answer Choices for R-A Questions
Typically Reason and Assertion questions have the following options:
- A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).
- B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct but Reason (R) does not explain Assertion (A).
- C. Assertion (A) is correct but Reason (R) is incorrect.
- D. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are incorrect.
How to Approach Reason and Assertion Questions
To answer these questions effectively follow these steps:
1. Understand the Assertion (A)
- Read the statement carefully.
- Determine whether it is scientifically correct.
2. Analyze the Reason (R)
- Check if the explanation is correct.
- Determine if it directly supports the assertion.
3. Evaluate the Relationship
- If the reason correctly explains the assertion choose Option A.
- If both are true but unrelated choose Option B.
- If the assertion is correct but the reason is wrong choose Option C.
- If both statements are incorrect choose Option D.
Examples of Reason and Assertion Questions in Class 8 Science
Example 1: Force and Pressure
Assertion (A): A sharp knife cuts better than a blunt knife.
Reason (R): A sharp knife applies less pressure on an object.
✅ Correct Answer: C (Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect)
Explanation: A sharp knife has a smaller surface area which increases pressure making cutting easier. The reason given is incorrect because a sharp knife actually applies more pressure not less.
Example 2: Sound
Assertion (A): Sound cannot travel in a vacuum.
Reason (R): Sound waves require a medium to propagate.
✅ Correct Answer: A (Both statements are correct and the reason explains the assertion)
Explanation: Sound needs a medium (such as air water or solids) to travel. Since a vacuum lacks ptopics sound cannot propagate through it.
Example 3: Friction
Assertion (A): Friction is a necessary evil.
Reason (R): Friction always causes damage and should be eliminated.
✅ Correct Answer: C (Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect)
Explanation: Friction is necessary for walking driving and holding objects. However it also causes wear and tear. The reason is incorrect because friction cannot and should not be completely eliminated.
Common Topics for Reason and Assertion Questions in Class 8 Science
1. Force and Pressure
- Assertion: Air exerts pressure.
- Reason: Air ptopics are in constant motion and collide with surfaces.
2. Sound
- Assertion: The pitch of sound depends on frequency.
- Reason: Higher frequency produces higher pitch sounds.
3. Light
- Assertion: A plane mirror forms a virtual image.
- Reason: A virtual image cannot be captured on a screen.
4. Friction
- Assertion: Rolling friction is less than sliding friction.
- Reason: Rolling friction involves less surface contact.
5. Chemical Reactions
- Assertion: Rusting of iron is a chemical change.
- Reason: Rusting produces a new substance iron oxide.
Tips to Score Better in Reason and Assertion Questions
- Revise Key Concepts – Focus on fundamental principles in Physics Chemistry and Biology.
- Practice Regularly – Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
- Read Carefully – Avoid assumptions; answer based on given information.
- Understand Cause and Effect – Ensure the reason logically explains the assertion.
- Eliminate Wrong Options – If an answer choice seems incorrect rule it out quickly.
Reason and Assertion questions test a student’s ability to think critically and apply scientific principles. By understanding the concepts behind the statements and analyzing relationships logically students can improve their accuracy in answering these questions.
With regular practice and a clear approach students can master Reason and Assertion questions in Class 8 Science and perform well in exams.
