Logical Reasoning - Statement and Argument

Exercise : Statement and Argument - Section 1
Directions to Solve

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 and
  • (E) If both I and II are strong.


11.

Statement: Should there be an upper age limit of 65 years for contesting Parliamentary/ Legislative Assembly elections?

Arguments:

  1. Yes. Generally, people above the age of 65 lose their dynamism and will power.
  2. No. The life span is so increased that people remain physically and mentally active even up to the age of 80.
Only argument I is strong
Only argument II is strong
Either I or II is strong
Neither I nor II is strong
Both I and II are strong
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The age of a person is no criterion for judging his mental capabilities and administrative qualities. So, none of the arguments holds strong.

12.

Statement: Should new big industries be started in Mumbai?

Arguments:

  1. Yes. It will create job opportunities.
  2. No. It will further add to the pollution of the city.
Only argument I is strong
Only argument II is strong
Either I or II is strong
Neither I nor II is strong
Both I and II are strong
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Opening up of new industries is advantageous in opening more employment avenues, and disadvantageous in that it adds to the pollution. So, either of the arguments holds strong.

13.

Statement: Should high chimneys be installed in industries?

Arguments:

  1. Yes. It reduces pollution at ground level.
  2. No. It increases pollution in upper atmosphere.
Only argument I is strong
Only argument II is strong
Either I or II is strong
Neither I nor II is strong
Both I and II are strong
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Pollution at ground level is the most hazardous in the way of being injurious to human and animal life. So, argument I alone holds.

14.

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.
Only argument I is strong
Only argument II is strong
Either I or II is strong
Neither I nor II is strong
Both I and II are strong
Answer: Option
Explanation:
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.

15.

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.
Only argument I is strong
Only argument II is strong
Either I or II is strong
Neither I nor II is strong
Both I and II are strong
Answer: Option
Explanation:
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.