Two Arguments Based


Statement - Arguments - Concepts
Class - SBI Clerical Prelims Subjects
 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Two Arguments Based

Critical thinking is aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes in any situation. 

Introduction : An argument is a statement meant to convince another person about your point of view. In these types of questions, your personal biases and opinions or any prior knowledge about the subject matter should never be considered. Here, you are given a statement followed by a set of arguments related to that statement. These arguments may support or contradict the statement. You are expected to assess whether each argument is strong or weak.

Concept of Strong and Weak Arguments : -

  • Strong Argument An argument is a strong one, if it is directly related to the given statement and the reason given in the argument addresses all the points put forward in the given statement.
  • Weak Argument An argument is a weak one, if it is not directly related to the given statement and it does not address all the points put forward in the given statement.
  • Examples of :

    e.g., Consider the following statement which is an option or a point of view. Pollution should be controlled in today's world.

    Argument 1 : Yes, pollution increases global warming, resulting in the melting of the polar ice caps, which can cause massive flooding. 

    If you look at Argument 1 carefully, you will realise the following features of the argument.

    (i) The argument contains a strong reason to control pollution.(ii) The argument is directly related to controlling pollution.

    Hence, Argument 1 is a strong argument

    Argument 2 No, pollution is a necessary evil because of the industrial revolution in the 18th century.

    Looking at Argument 2 carefully, you will realise the following features of the argument

    (i) The argument contains a reason which is not directly related to the main statement which speaks of 'today's world' and focuses on what happened in the 18th century.

    (ii) The argument does not address whether pollution should be controlled but rather tries to say that it cannot be controlled.

    NOTE : The 'Yes' and 'No' at the start of the Arguments 1 and 2 are nothing but points of view with reference to the original statement. These views are then supported by the argument itself. Understand that, 'Yes' and No' are not parts of the argument. You have to assess the argument which follows either 'Yes' or 'No' and not the point of view.

    Points taken into consideration while choosing a strong or a weak argument.

    Strong Arguments are : 

  • supported by established fact/experiences/logic/ prevailing notions of truth.
  • correct.
  • desirable (or harmful in case of negative argument).
  • properly related with the statement.
  • Weak Arguments are

  • ambiguous or confusing arguments.
  • too simple to be arguments.
  • goes against established facts.
  • does not get support from past experiences.
  • does not get support from logic and common sense.
  • assumption based arguments.
  • goes against prevailing notions of truth.
  • Two Arguments Based : In this type of questions a statement is given, followed by two arguments. Candidates are required to distinguish between the strong and weak arguments. Generally both the arguments are contrary to each other and refer to positive and negative results.

    Question : In the following question, a statement is followed by two arguments numbered I and  II. You have to decide which of the arguments is a strong argument and which is the weak argument?

    Statement : Should India make effort to harness solar energy to fulfill its energy requirement ?

    Arguments :

  • 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) Only Argument I is strong                  (b) Only Argument II is strong           (c) Both Arguments I and II are strong       (d) Neither Argument I nor Argument II is strong

    Solution (a) : India is a developing country and requires energy in abundance and the present sources of energy are exhaustible, so India should make efforts to harness solar energy. Hence, Argument I is strong, whereas Statement II does not strongly support the stated facts.

    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Directions : Question given below consists of a statement, followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decided 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 the question.

    Statement : Should all the foreign banks be asked to close down their operations in India ?

    Arguments : I. No. This will have an adverse effect on Indian economy.

                          II. Yes. This is the only way to make the India banks survive and prosper.

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Directions : Question given below consists of a statement, followed by three or four arguments numbered I and II. You have to decided 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 the question.

    Statement : Is ragging in colleges a good practice ?

    Arguments : I. Yes. A sensible ragging helps the college boys to step into manhood and teaches them to take trifles in a good humour.

                          II. No. The tortures inflicted in the name of ragging and the humiliation suffered by young boys and girls often go beyond limits.

    Right Option : D
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    The following question consists of a statement followed by two arguments I and II.

    Statement : Should 'education' be brought under the control of the Central Government like defence ?

    Argument :

    I. No. Education is a state subject and it should remain with the state.

    II. Yes. This is the only way to establish uniformity in growth of education across the states.

    Right Option : A
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
     
     


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