Statements and Arguments

Statements and Arguments section is a subsection of the reasoning ability portion. In this section, a couple or more statements will be present. These statements will precede an equal or lesser number of arguments that we derive from these statements. Your job is to check if the statements can actually defend or derive these arguments. Let us see below!

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Types of Statements & Arguments Questions

Questions based on statements and arguments are most common features of all the competitive exams. Usually, in these questions, a statement is given which is followed by two arguments. An individual is required to differentiate between the strong and weak arguments. You will see many different types of questions in this section. Usually, confusing questions will be asked. The arguments that will be provided will generally be contrary to each other. They will refer to the positive and negative results of the action as mentioned in the statements.

A strong argument is that which will touch the practical as well as the real aspect of the situation as mentioned in the statements. While in a weak argument, the statement drawn will be simple, ambiguous, and a superfluous one. The following solved examples will help you understand better, the logic and types of questions that are generally asked in the competitive exams. Also, there are practice questions at the end of the examples.

Browse more Topics under Statements

• Assertion and Reason
• Cause and Effect
• Judgements
• Logical sequence of Statements
• Situation and Reaction
• Statements and Assumptions
• Statements and Conclusions
• Statements and Course of Action
• Truth of Statements
• Statements Practice Questions

Before the examples, there are points that you need to keep in mind and remember while solving and practicing these questions.

1. While you make a decision about the important questions, it is desirable to be able to differentiate between ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ arguments so far as they relate to the questions.
2. For ‘weak’ arguments, the important thing to note is that they may or may not be directly related to the question and may be of minor importance.
3. Also, they may be related to trivial part of the question. The questions given in this topic will be followed by two statements I and II.
4. Based on the question, you have to determine which argument is strong and which one is weak.

Solved Examples

For all the questions below, you have to answer based on these sentences.
a) the only argument I am strong
b) if only argument II is strong
c) neither I nor II is strong
d) if both I and II are strong.

Statement: Should the schooling education be made free in India?

Arguments
I: Yes, this is the only way through which we can improve the level of literacy.
II: No, this will add to the already heavy burden economy of India.

In this questions, to make the argument weak or strong you need to look for small clues and ideas. For example, in the statement I the use of word ‘only’ is not strong enough and thus makes the argument weak. If you can see, it is not the only real and practical solution to improve the level of literacy.
Meanwhile, in comparison to the argument I, argument II is strong enough because it describes the practical problem which may happen due to the decision was taken for making the schooling education free. Thus argument II is the strong argument. So, the correct answer is B.

In statements and arguments, you need to use your logic. Instead, work only with the information provided in the statement. Do not try and go for a practical approach.

Statement: Should the crackers be completely banned in India?

Arguments.
I: Yes, the use of child labours in the manufacturing of firecrackers is very high.
II: No, the jobs of thousand workers will be hindered.

In this question, there is no morally correct or incorrect approach. Both the statements refer to the practical consequences of the action being taken for the statement given in the question. Thus both the arguments are given in the question is correct. So, the correct answer is D.

Example of both the Arguments as Affirmative

Statement: Should the young entrepreneurs of India be encouraged?

Arguments
I: Yes, they will helo in the industrial development of the country.
II: Yes, that will reduce the burden on the employment market.

Not every state will have a yes and no argument. Some will two ‘yes’ or two ‘no’ arguments. Now, looking at both the statements and understand them one by one. In statement I, by encouraging young entrepreneurs there will certainly be an industrial development.
For the statement II, by encouraging the young entrepreneurs in India there will be many fields and opportunities open for setting up of new organizations. Thus it will be helpful. So, both the arguments are given in question are strong. So, the correct answer is D.

Practice Questions

Q 1: For all the questions below, you have to answer based on these sentences.
a) the only argument I am strong
b) if only argument II is strong
c) neither I nor II is strong
d) if both I and II are strong.

Statement: Should there be a limit to the salary of top executives of multinational companies in India?

Arguments

I. No, this can be counterproductive because of liberalization of the economy. When the economy picks up this difference will be reduced.
II. Yes, because if it is not done it will lead to a unhealthy competition and no industry will be able to withstand it.

The correct answer is C.

Statement: Is death the perfect cure for physical sufferings?

Arguments
I: Yes, how can there be any ailment without anybody left?
II: No, it should be continued with the same intensity till the patient is cured.

The correct answer is C.

Statement: Should there be small states formed out of the larger states in India?

Arguments
I: No, this will allow the danger to national integration.
II: Yes, this will result in administrative convenience.

The correct answer is D.