Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument. Give answer: (A) If only argument I is strong (B) If only argument II is strong (C) If either I or II is strong (D) If neither I nor II is strong (E) If both I and II are strong.
Statement: Should all the annual examinations up to Std. V be abolished?
Arguments:
1. Yes. The young students should not be burdened with such examinations which hampers their natural growth.
2. No. The students will not study seriously as they will get automatic promotion to the next class and this will affect them in future.
Answer: E
Clearly, neither the students can be burdened with studies at such a tender age, nor can they be left free to take studies casually, as this shall weaken their basic foundation. So, both the arguments follow.
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Statement: Should articles of only deserving authors be allowed to be published?
Arguments:
1. Yes. It will save a lot of paper which is in short supply.
2. No. It is not possible to draw a line between the deserving and the undeserving.
Answer: B
Clearly, I does not provide a strong reason in support of the statement. Also, it is not possible to analyze the really deserving and not deserving. So/argument II holds strong.
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Statement: Should India encourage exports, when most things are insufficient for internal use itself?
Arguments:
1. Yes. We have to earn foreign exchange to pay for our imports.
2. No. Even selective encouragement would lead to shortages.
Answer: A
Clearly, India can export only the surplus and that which can be saved after fulfilling its own needs, to pay for its imports. Encouragement to export cannot lead to shortages as it shall provide the resources for imports. So, only argument I holds.
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Statement: Should young entrepreneurs be encouraged?
Arguments:
1. Yes. They will help in industrial development of the country.
2. Yes. They will reduce the burden on employment market.
Answer: E
Clearly, encouraging the young entrepreneurs will open up the field for the establishment of new industries. Thus, it shall help in industrial development and not only employ the entrepreneurs but create more job opportunities for others as well. So, both the arguments hold strong
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Statement: Should adult education programme be given priority over compulsory education programme?
Arguments:
1. No. It will also help in success of compulsory education programme.
2. Yes. It will help to eliminate the adult illiteracy
Answer: B
Clearly, argument I gives a reason in support of the statement and so it does not hold strong against it. The adult education programme needs to be given priority because it shall eliminate adult illiteracy and thus help in further spread of education. So, only argument II is strong enough.
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Statement: Should cottage industries be encouraged in rural areas?
Arguments:
1. Yes. Rural people are creative.
2. Yes. This would help to solve the problem of unemployment to some extent.
Answer: B
Clearly, cottage industries need to be promoted to create more job opportunities for rural people in the villages themselves. The reason that rural people are creative is vague. So, only argument II holds
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Statement: Should the prestigious people who have committed crime unknowingly, be met with special treatment?
Arguments:
1. Yes. The prestigious people do not commit crime intentionally.
2. No. It is our policy that everybody is equal before the law.
Answer: B
The Constitution has laid down the doctrine of 'equality before the law'. So, argument II holds strong. Also, we cannot judge the intentions of a person behind committing a crime, So, argument I is vague
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Statement: Does India need so many plans for development?
Arguments:
1. Yes. Nothing can be achieved without proper planning.
2. No. Too much time, money and energy is wasted on planning
Answer: A
Before indulging in new development programme it is much necessary to plan the exact target, policies and their implementation and the allocation of funds which shows the right direction to work. So, argument I holds strong. Also, planning ensures full utilization of available resources and funds and stepwise approach towards the target. So, spending a part of money on it is no wastage. Thus, argument II is not valid
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Is paying ransom or agreeing to the conditions of kidnappers of political figures, a proper course of action?
Arguments:
1. Yes. The victims must be saved at all cost.
2. No. It encourages the kidnappers to continue their sinister activities.
Answer: E
Both the arguments are strong enough. The conditions have to be agreed to, in order to save the life of the victims, though actually they ought not to be agreed to, as they encourage the sinister activities of the kidnappers.
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Statement: Is buying things on instalments profitable to the customer?
Arguments:
1. Yes. He has to pay less.
2. No, paying instalments upsets the family budget.
Answer: D
In buying things on instalments, a customer has to pay more as the interest is also included. So, argument I does not hold. Moreover, one who buys an item on instalments maintains his future budget accordingly as he is well acquainted with when and how much he has to pay, beforehand. So, argument II is also not valid.
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