Course of Action Cheat Sheet

Course of Action Cheat Sheet

Quick Revision

A course of action is a step proposed to solve a problem or improve a situation given in the statement. You must decide whether each suggested action logically follows.

1. The Three Tests

A course of action follows only if it:

1. Addresses the problem in the statement directly;
2. Is practical and feasible to carry out;
3. Is a proper, accepted way of dealing with the issue.

2. When It Does NOT Follow

• It is impractical or impossible to implement;
• It is too extreme or harsh for the problem;
• It ignores the actual problem, or tackles a side issue;
• It merely restates the problem without acting on it.

3. The Answer Choices

Only action I follows
Only action II follows
Either I or II follows
Neither follows
Both follow

4. Worked Example

Statement: Many students fail because they cannot afford textbooks.

• I. The school should set up a free book-lending library. → Follows (practical and addresses the cause).
• II. Students who fail should be expelled. → Does not follow (extreme and ignores the real problem).

So only action I follows.

5. Exam Quick Tips

• A good action is constructive — banning, punishing or expelling is usually too extreme.
• The action must be doable, not a wish.
• Judge each action only against the stated problem.

Keep revising with the rest of the Reasoning section:

• All Reasoning topics
• Cause and Effect Cheat Sheet
• Decision Making Cheat Sheet

How this was made: Drafted with AI assistance; spot-checked by the editor on 31 October 2026.