Introduction: Statements and Arguments | General Intelligence and Reasoning for SSC CGL PDF Download

Statement and Arguments

An argument is a statement presented by an individual to support or oppose a given statement. In this type of question, a statement related to an issue is provided, followed by arguments either in favor of or against that statement. The task is to identify logically sound arguments.
Typically, these arguments present contrasting views, discussing the positive and negative outcomes of the action mentioned in the statement.
Arguments fall into two categories:

• Strong Argument: It is considered strong if it aligns with the practical and realistic aspects of the situation outlined in the statement. Strong arguments are supported by reasons and facts relevant to the situation.
• Weak Argument: An argument is deemed weak if it lacks a direct connection to the given statement and fails to address all the points raised in the statement. Weak arguments are of lesser significance or may relate to trivial aspects of the statement.

Important Things to Remember

Following points should be taken into consideration while choosing a strong argument:

• A strong argument should give the realistic diagnosis of the situation described in the statement.
• A strong argument should give deep analysis of the topic dealing with the statement.
• A strong argument should relate with the statement and be supported up by facts or established notions.
• An argument, which is based on universal truth is always strong.

Following points should be taken into consideration while choosing a weak argument:

• Weak arguments are ambiguous in nature.
• Weak arguments are too simple and sometime superfluous in nature
• Weak arguments are contrary to established facts.
• Weak arguments are those which contain the words only, definitely, the best until, unless, will be.
• Weak arguments are those which are half explained.

Examples

Direction: The giving statement is followed by three or four arguments. Decide which of the options is correct about the given arguments.

Example 1: Statement   Should the government introduce a system of obtaining bond from students for working in Indian before sanctioning education loan for higher studies?
Arguments:
(I) No, this is not a workable solution and will obstruct the development of young talent in the country.
(II) Yes, this is the only way to ensure use of the talent of our country for the development of the country and not only an individual..
(III) No, this step will be too harsh.
(IV) Yes, it is banned in many countries also.
(a) Only argument I is strong
(b) Only argument II is strong
(c) Arguments I and II are strong
(d) None is strong
Ans: (a)
As India is democratic country and every person has its right about where he wants to work and singing such bonds does not ensure the correct use of talent of a country. So, argument I is strong but argument II is weak also argument III is a vague and hence is weak argument.

Direction (Example Nos. 2-3) Study the following instructions carefully and then answer the questions that follow.
In making decisions about important questions it is desirable that a candidate should be able to distinguish between 'strong' and 'weak' arguments so far as they relate to the questions.
'Weak' arguments may not be directly related to the questions and may be of minor importance or may be related to the trivial aspect of the question.
Each question given below is followed by two arguments I and II. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which one is 'weak' argument.
Give Answer
(a) If only I is strong
(b) If only II is strong
(c) If either I or II is strong
(d) If neither I nor II is strong

Example 2: Statement: Should a cricket team have more than one captain during a match?
Arguments:
(I) No, one needs to make decisions on the spot and there won't be time to resolve conflicting ideas between the captains on the field if such a scenario emerges.
(II) Yes, it is always better to have more brains coming to an understanding before taking a decision.
Ans: (a)
Every Person can have different opinion. So, to make a decision on the spot it may need more time.
Hence, only argument (I) is strong.

Example 3: Statement: Should parents invest as much in educating their daughters as much in educating their daughters as much as they spend on educating their sons?
Arguments:
(I) No, almost all data points to the fact that boys are way more intelligent than girls.
(II) No, though girls may be intelligent, parents have to keep money aside for their marriages.
Ans: (d)
In the given statement it is not mentioned about intelligence of girls and boys. So, none of the arguments is strong .

Example 4: Statement: Should school education be made free in India?
Arguments:
(I) Yes, this is the only way to improve the level of literacy.
(II) No, it should add to the already heavy burden on the exchequer.
Ans: (b)
Argument I is not strong as it contains 'only' while argument II is strong as such step would require immense funds and will lead to financial drain.
Hence, only argument (I) is strong.