Direction: In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between ''Strong'' arguments and ''Weak'' arguments insofar as they relate to the question. ''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.
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Statement:
Have the economic reforms proved effective?
Arguments:
I. Yes. There has been a tremendous improvement in the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate.
II. No. The progress that has been made is due to the bounty of the monsoons.
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- if only argument I is strong.
- if only argument II is strong.
- If either I or II is strong.
- If neither I nor II is strong; and
- if both I and II are strong.
Correct Option: E
I is strong : it cites one of the prime indicators of the effectiveness of the reforms. II is also strong because good monsoons mean good agriculture. Since agriculture has a good share in our gross domestic product (GDP) and since good agriculture promotes other sectors of the economy as well, good monsoons will inevitably lead to better economic results. In that case, it is possible that the success is not that of economic reforms.