Assertion (A): The assertion that students can experience high levels of stress during examinations is true. Examinations are significant events that can be very demanding, and this can create a lot of stress.
Reason (R): It is also true that reduced levels of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity (NK cells are important in immune function) have been found in people experiencing high levels of stress. This is a well documented biological response to chronic stress.
Explanation: However, reduced NK cell cytotoxicity is a consequence of stress and does not explain why the students are stressed. Hence, while both are true, the reason does not explain the assertion.