Practice Statement and arguments - verbal reasoning Online Quiz (set-1) For All Competitive Exams

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-1)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the sale of vital human organs be made legal in India?
  • Arguments:
  • I. No, it goes against our culture.
  • II. No, this will lead to unhealthy practices.
  • III. Yes, this will bring an end to the illegal trading of human organs.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is weak because talking of culture is irrelevant in this case.

In fact, Argument I is not even true. Argument II is weak because it is simplistic. We are not told what these 'unhealthy practices' will be.

Argument III is weak because it is superfluous.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-2)  
  • Statement:
  • should the salary and perquisites of public sector undertaking employees be made equivalent to those in the private sector?
  • Arguments:
  • I. Yes, this will help the public sector undertaking to attract and retain a competent workforce.
  • II. No, public sector undertakings cannot afford to pay salaries to the level of the private sector.
  • III. Yes, otherwise the public sector undertakings will not be able to compete with the private sector organisations.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

The competent workforce is desirable. Hence, Argument I is strong.

Argument II does not appear to be true for all PSUs. And even it is true, an argument that takes recourse in helplessness seems to fall short on merit.

Argument III is strong as competition is desirable.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-3)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the Government order closure of all educational institutions for a month to avoid fast spreading of the contagious viral infection?
  • Arguments:
  • I. No, the closure of educational institutions alone is not the solution for curbing the spread of the viral infection.
  • II. No, students will visit crowded places like malls, markets, playgrounds etc in more numbers and spread the disease, as they will have a lot of spare time at their disposal.
  • III. Yes, young persons are more prone to get affected by the viral infection and hence, they should remain indoors.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is weak as it merely tries to evade the issue.

Argument II may turn out to be true but it is based on a negative mindset, maybe it's mere of an assumption. Hence, II is weak.

Argument III gets into the reason and is therefore strong.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-4)  
  • Statement:
  • Should there be a complete ban on setting up thermal power plants in India?
  • Arguments:
  • I. Yes, this is the only way to control further adds to environmental pollution.
  • II. No, there is a huge shortage of electricity in most parts of the country and hence, the generation of electricity needs to be augmented.
  • III. No, many developed countries continue to set up thermal power plants in their countries.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is weak because of the use of only Argument II is strong as the country's power need cannot be ignored.

Argument III is weak because it is the argument based on example.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-5)  
  • Statement:
  • Should road repair work in big cities be carried out only late at night?
  • Arguments:
  • I. No, this way the work will never get completed.
  • II. No, there will be an unnecessary use of electricity.
  • III. Yes, the commuters will face a lot of problems due to repair work during the day.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is not true for all roads: work is often done in phases and meets completion.

Argument II is weak: such use of electricity cannot be termed ‘unnecessary.'

Argument III is strong as it shows concern for commuters.

Directions:
Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by three or four arguments numbered I, II, III and IV. You have to decide which of the arguments is/are 'strong' argument(s) and which is/are 'weak' argument(s) and accordingly choose your answer from the alternatives given below each question.

Q-6)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the rule of wearing a helmet for both driver and pillion rider while driving a motorbike to be enforced strictly?
  • Arguments:
  • I. Yes. It is a rule and rules should be followed strictly by all.
  • II. No. Each individual knows how to protect his own life and it should be left to his discretion.
  • III. No. It does not ensure safety as only the head is protected and the rest of the body is not.
  • IV. Yes. It is a necessity as head, being the most sensitive organ, is protected by the helmet.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Clearly, the rule has been devised for the safety of two-wheeler riders, as the majority of two-wheeler accidents result in direct fall of the rider, leading to head injury and finally death. And the objective of a rule cannot be fulfilled until it is followed by all and this requires strict enforcement.

Thus, both I and IV hold strong, while III does not. Besides, it is the basic duty of the Government to look after the safety of the citizens and it ought not to leave it to the discretion of the individuals.

So, argument II does not hold strong.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-7)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the conscription of citizens for defence services be made compulsory in India?
  • Arguments:
  • I. Yes, this is the only way to tackle the serious shortage of manpower in defence services.
  • II. No, instead the compensation package is made comparable to other job sectors to attract people to join defence services.
  • III. Yes, many other countries have made this compulsory.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is weak because it is not true. Look at the alternative given in II.

Argument II is also not strong because instead of getting into the reason, it provides an alternative.

Argument III is simplistic and hence weak. It is argument by example.

Directions:
Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by three or four arguments numbered I, II, III and IV. You have to decide which of the arguments is/are 'strong' argument(s) and which is/are 'weak' argument(s) and accordingly choose your answer from the alternatives given below each question.

Q-8)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the consumption of aerated drinks be banned in India?
  • Arguments:
  • I. Yes. This is the only way to reduce the risk of exposing people to some diseases.
  • II. No. Each individual should have the right to choose what he wants.
  • III. No. There is no confirmed evidence that such products have adverse effects on the human body. IV. Yes. It is banned in many other countries also.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

The use of ‘only' in I makes it invalid. Also, it is the duty of the government to save its citizens from the intake of any harmful products, even if they like them.

So, II does not hold strong. Besides, a product must not be banned unless its harmful effects have been proved.

So, III holds strong. Lastly, we cannot blindly follow the decisions taken by other countries.

So, IV also does not hold.

Directions:
Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by three or four arguments numbered I, II, III and IV. You have to decide which of the arguments is/are 'strong' argument(s) and which is/are 'weak' argument(s) and accordingly choose your answer from the alternatives given below each question.

Q-9)  
  • Statement:
  • Should there be a reservation of jobs in the organizations in the private sector also as in the public sector undertakings in India?
  • Arguments:
  • I. Yes. This would give more opportunities for development to the weaker sections of the society and thus help reduce the gap between the affluent and the downtrodden in India.
  • II. No. The private sector does not get any government assistance and therefore they should not be saddled with such policies.
  • III. No. Nowhere else in the world such a practice is being followed.
  • IV. No. The management of the private sector undertaking would not agree to such compulsions.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

The reservation of jobs in the private sector too would surely increase opportunities for weaker sections to improve their economic plight.

Thus, argument I is strong enough. Also, private sector companies work on a good profit margin and they can and will have to accommodate such a policy if implemented.

So, neither II nor IV holds strong. Further, just imitating other countries holds no relevance.

So, argument III also does not hold.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments.
    * 'Strong' Arguments must be both important and directly related to the question.
    * 'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspects of the question.
    Each question below is followed by three arguments numbered I, II and III. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument?

Q-10)  
  • Statement:
  • Should there be a restriction on the construction of high rise buildings in big cities in India?
  • Arguments:
  • I. No, big cities in India do not have adequate open land plots to accommodate the growing population.
  • II. Yes, only the builders and developers benefit from the construction of high-rise buildings.
  • III. Yes, the government should first provide adequate infrastructural facilities to the existing buildings before allowing the construction of new high-rise buildings.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is strong as space constraints do play a crucial role.

Argument II is false as the buyers also benefit in terms of cost and greenery.

Argument III is strong as merely constructing new buildings does not make sense.

First, adequate infrastructural facilities should be provided to the existing buildings.

Directions:
Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by three or four arguments numbered I, II, III and IV. You have to decide which of the arguments is/are 'strong' argument(s) and which is/are 'weak' argument(s) and accordingly choose your answer from the alternatives given below each question.

Q-11)  
  • Statement:
  • Should all the school teachers be debarred from giving private tuitions? 
  • Arguments:
  • I. No. The needy students will be deprived of the expertise of these teachers.
  • II. Yes. This is an injustice to the unemployed educated people who can earn their living by giving tuitions.
  • III. Yes. Only then the quality of teaching in schools will improve. IV. Yes. Now the salary of these teachers is reasonable.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Only III is strong. The lure of earning private tuitions reduces the efforts and devotion of the teachers towards the students in schools. So, if tuitions are banned, students can benefit from their teachers' knowledge in the school itself.

So, argument III holds strong while I does not.

However, a person cannot be barred from earning more just because he already has a good salary. So, argument IV is vague.

Further, the unemployed people thriving on tuitions can survive with the school teachers holding tuitions too, if they are capable enough to guide the students well. So, argument II also does not hold strong.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments. 'Strong' arguments are those which are both important and directly related to the question. 'Weak' arguments are those which are of minor importance and also may not be directly related to the question or may be related to a trivial aspect of the question. Each question below is 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.

Q-12)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the sale of tobacco products be restricted to only a few outlets in each city/town?
  • Argument :
  • I. Yes, this will substantially reduce the consumption of tobacco products.
  • II. No, those who want to purchase tobacco products should get them at convenient locations.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is strong as reduced tobacco consumption is desirable.

Argument II is weak as such convenience is not desirable.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments. 'Strong' arguments are those which are both important and directly related to the question. 'Weak' arguments are those which are of minor importance and also may not be directly related to the question or may be related to a trivial aspect of the question. Each question below is 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.

Q-13)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the examination bodies for all university examinations permit the use of calculators?
  • Argument :
  • I. No, it is necessary for the students to know the methods of manual calculation to make their concepts clear.
  • II. Yes, manual calculations are no more required with extensive use of computers in all fields.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Methods of manual calculations are necessary for individuals. Hence, they should be encouraged.

Thus, Argument I is strong Argument II is also strong in its way but, since l and II contradict each other, we go for the choice (c).

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments. 'Strong' arguments are those which are both important and directly related to the question. 'Weak' arguments are those which are of minor importance and also may not be directly related to the question or may be related to a trivial aspect of the question. Each question below is 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.

Q-14)  
  • Statement:
  • Should the women be advised not to travel alone at night in view of the increasing incidences of rape and sexual abuse?
  • Argument :
  • I. No, instead the government should take measures to control such incidences.
  • II. Yes, it is difficult to even for the police department to control such cases.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I does not establish proper relation with the statement.

Argument II may be an opinion and has not been discussed in the given statement.

Hence, I and II both are weak.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments. 'Strong' arguments are those which are both important and directly related to the question. 'Weak' arguments are those which are of minor importance and also may not be directly related to the question or may be related to a trivial aspect of the question. Each question below is 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.

Q-15)  
  • Statement:
  • Should India make efforts to harness solar energy to fulfill its energy requirement?
  • Argument :
  • I. Yes, most of the energy sources used at present are exhaustible.
  • II. No, harnessing solar energy requires a lot of capital, which India lacks in.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I is strong i.e., India should make efforts to harness solar energy to fulfill its energy requirement.

Because most of the energy sources used at present are exhaustible. Argument II is weak.

Directions:
Directions: 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.

Q-16)  
  • Statement:
  • Should higher education be restricted to only those who can bear the expenditure?
  • Argument :
  • I. Yes. Higher education is very costly, hence it should not be given free.
  • II. No. There are a large number of brilliant students who cannot afford to pay and they should be given higher education.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

For the all-round progress of the nation, all the students, especially the talented and intelligent ones, must avail of higher education, even if the government has to pay for it.

So, only argument II holds.

Directions:
Directions: 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.

Q-17)  
  • Statement:
  • Should India create a huge oil reserve like some Western countries to face difficult situations in the future?
  • Argument :
  • I. No. There is no need to block a huge amount of foreign exchange and keep the money idle.
  • II. Yes. This will help India withstand shocks of a sudden rise in oil prices due to unforeseen circumstances.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Oil, being an essential commodity, our country must keep it in reserve. So, argument I is vague.

while argument II holds as it provides a substantial reason for the same.

Directions:
Directions: 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.

Q-18)  
  • Statement :
  • Should India develop a national water grid by connecting all the rivers in the country?
  • Argument :
  • I. No. This is not just possible as we do not have the technical know-how.
  • II. Yes. This will greatly help the entire country by effectively channelising the excess water to the areas having a shortage.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

A single network of all the rivers in the country would surely enable a good distribution of water to all areas. So, argument II holds strong.

Also, a policy beneficial to the nation cannot be hindered owing to a lack of know-how. Ways can be devised to build up such a network. So, argument I is vague.

Directions:
Directions: 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.

Q-19)  
  • Statement :
  • Should Government close down loss-making public sector enterprises?
  • Argument :
  • I. No. All employees will lose their jobs, security, and earning, what would they do?
  • II. Yes. In a competitive world, the rule is 'survival of the fittest'.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Closing down public-sector enterprises will definitely throw the engaged persons out of employment. So, argument I holds. Also, closing down is no solution for a loss-making enterprise.

Rather, its causes of failure should be studied, analyzed and the essential reforms implemented. Even if this does not work out, the enterprise may be privatized. So, argument II is vague.

Directions:
In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between 'strong' arguments and 'weak' arguments. 'Strong' arguments are those which are both important and directly related to the question. 'Weak' arguments are those which are of minor importance and also may not be directly related to the question or may be related to a trivial aspect of the question. Each question below is 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.

Q-20)  
  • Statement:
  • Should school education be made the tree in India?
  • Argument :
  • I. Yes, this is the only way to improve the level of literacy.
  • II. No, it will add to the already heavy burden on the exchequer.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Explanation:

Argument I, is not strong because the word only makes the argument weak as it is not the only real and practical solution to improve the level of literacy.

Argument II, is strong as it describes the practical problem which may arise out of the decision of making education free in India.