Common Syllogistic Patterns

The UCAT Decision Making subtest tends to reuse a relatively small number of syllogistic patterns. Recognising these patterns allows you to solve syllogisms faster and with greater confidence. This lesson catalogues the most common valid and invalid patterns, so you can identify them instantly on test day.

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The Six Most Common Valid Patterns

Pattern 1: Universal Chain (Barbara)

Premise 1	All A are B
Premise 2	All B are C
Conclusion	All A are C

Example:

• All surgeons are doctors.
• All doctors are university graduates.
• Therefore, all surgeons are university graduates. VALID ✓

This is the most intuitive syllogistic pattern. A is inside B, B is inside C, so A is inside C.

Pattern 2: Universal-to-Particular (Darii)

Premise 1	All B are C
Premise 2	Some A are B
Conclusion	Some A are C

Example:

• All pharmacists are science graduates.
• Some hospital staff are pharmacists.
• Therefore, some hospital staff are science graduates. VALID ✓