Statement and Argument
Direction: In making decisions about important question, 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 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?
- Statement
Should there be a limit on drawing ground water for irrigation purposes in India?
Arguments
I.No, irrigation is of prime importance for food production in India and its is heavily dependent on ground water in many parts the of country.
II. Yes, water levels have gone down to alarmingly low levels in some parts of the country where irrigation is primarily dependent on ground water, which may lead to serious environmental consequences.
III. Yes, India just cannot afford to draw groundwater any further as the international agencies have cautioned India against it.
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Argument I is strong as it addresses the problem of food scarcity. Argument II is strong as environment is a very important issue. Argument III is weak as 'the caution' part is neither convincing nor mature.
Correct Option: A
Argument I is strong as it addresses the problem of food scarcity. Argument II is strong as environment is a very important issue. Argument III is weak as 'the caution' part is neither convincing nor mature.
- Statement
Should there be a complete ban on setting up thermal power plants in India?
Arguments
I. Yes, this in the only way to control further addition to environmental pollution.
II. No, there is a huge shortage of electricity in most part of the country and hence, generation of electricity needs to be augmented.
II. No, many developed countries continue to set up thermal power plants in their countries.
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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.
Correct Option: C
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.
- Statement
Should there be a restriction on the construction of high rise buildings in big cities in India?
Arguments
I. No, big cities 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.
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Argument I is strong as space constraints do play a crucial rule. 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.
Correct Option: C
Argument I is strong as space constraints do play a crucial rule. 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.
- Statement
Should road repair work in big cities be carried out only late at night?
Arguments
II. No, this way the work will never get completed.
II. No, there will be unnecessary use of electricity.
III. Yes, the commuters will face a lot of problems due to repair work during the day.
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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.
Correct Option: C
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.
- 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, play grounds 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.
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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 mind set, may be it's mere of an assumption. Hence, II is weak. Argument III gets into the reason and is therefore strong.
Correct Option: C
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 mind set, may be it's mere of an assumption. Hence, II is weak. Argument III gets into the reason and is therefore strong.
