Statement and Arguments Reasoning

• 1. Statement: Should persons convicted of criminal offences in the past be allowed to contest elections in India?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. No. Such persons cannot serve the cause of the people and country.
  II. Yes. It is democracy - let people decide whom to vote.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option A

  Explanation:

  Clearly, persons with criminal background cannot stand to serve as the representatives of the common people. So, they should not be allowed to contest elections. Thus, only argument I holds, while II does not.
  
  

• 2. Statement: Should cutting of trees be banned altogether?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. Yes. It is very much necessary to do so to restore ecological balance.
  II. No. A total ban would harm timber based industries.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option E

• 3. Statement: Should the political parties be banned?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. Yes. It is necessary to teach a lesson to the politicians.
  II. No. It will lead to an end of democracy.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option D

  Explanation:

  Clearly, with the ban on political parties, candidates can independently contest elections. So, it will not end democracy. Thus, argument II does not hold. Argument I does not give a strong reason.
  
  

• 4. Statement: Should taxes on colour television be further increased?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. Yes, Colour television is a luxury item and only rich people buy them.
  II. No, Televisions are bought by the poor too.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option D

  Explanation:

  Clearly, taxes on an item cannot be increased or decreased on the basis of the financial position of the people who buy it. So, both arguments I and II do not hold strong.
  
  

• 5. Statement: Is the Government justified in spending so much on defence?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. Yes. Safety of the country is of prime importance.
  II. No. During peace, this money could be used for the development of the country.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option A

  Explanation:

  Clearly, defence is necessary for the safety of the country, which is of prime importance. So, argument I holds. Also, a country can concentrate on internal progress and development only when it is safe from external aggressions. So, argument II does not hold.
  
  

• 6. Statement: Should public holidays be declared on demise of important national leaders?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. No. Such unscheduled holidays hamper national progress.
  II. Yes. People would like to pay their homage to the departed soul.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option A

  Explanation:

  Clearly, unscheduled and untimely holidays would naturally cause the work to suffer. So, argument I holds strong. Also, a holiday is not necessary to pay homage to someone. So, argument II is vague.
  
  

• 7. Statement: Should India become a permanent member of UN's Security Council?
  
  Arguments:
  
  I. Yes. India has emerged as a country which loves peace and amity.
  II. No. Let us first solve problems of our own people like poverty, malnutrition.

  1. Only argument I is strong
  2. Only argument II is strong
  3. Either I or II is strong
  4. Neither I nor II is strong
  5. Both I and II are strong

  Answer :

  Option A