Statement and Argument 



Introduction

  • In simple language, argument is a point of view on a particular matter supported by certain evidence. 
  • The candidate is required to check the forcefulness of the given argument such as if they are weak or strong. 
  • In technical terms, an argument may be said to be a sequence of two or more phrases, clauses, sentences that includes a claim or conclusion. Such a conclusion is arrived at with the help of one or more than one statement, which may be called premise or proposition.
  • An argument has hidden premises also and such hidden premises are called assumptions. 

Types of Statement and Argument

1. Weak Arguments
  • In this type of statement and argument reasoning, candidates will be given arguments, which are weak or absurd. Weak arguments are of various types and they are mentioned below.
  (a) Ambiguous Arguments: In this type of weak argument, the question does not clarify how the argument is related to the course of action and what exactly the author wants to say, therefore these arguments are weak in nature.

  (b) Superfluous Arguments: In this type of weak argument, arguments are superfluous and do not make an in depth analysis of it, therefore these arguments are weak in nature.

  (c) Question-back Argument : In this type of weak argument, the arguments consist of a question thrown back by the arguer.

2. Strong Arguments
  • In this type of statement and argument reasoning, candidates will be given arguments, which are strong in nature. Strong arguments are of various types and they are mentioned below.

  (a) Established Facts: In this type of strong argument, the given argument is an established fact and usually true.

  (b) Experiences predict that the result will follow: In this type of strong argument, the arguments are true because of the past experiences.

  (c) Prevailing notion of truth: In this type of strong argument, the arguments are certainly or universally accepted or true.


Some points to remember
  • Perform preliminary screening of the question given before solving the questions related to the statement and argument reasoning
  • Check for the arguments that they are not absurd or harmful in case of a strong argument.
  • An argument can be rejected if it is ambiguous.

Examples


Q 1 − Statement: Should all the new and big industries be established in Kolkata?
Arguments:
    I. Yes, more job opportunities will be created.
    II. No, the pollution of the city will increase further.

Options :
               A - Only argument I is strong.
               B - Only argument II is strong.
               C - Either I or II is strong.
               D - Neither I nor II is strong.
               E - Both I and II are strong.

Answer - C
Explanation :- Here either of the any two can happen. Employment will increase upon the opening of new industries but simultaneously pollution will also increase.


Q 2 − Statement: Should encouragement be given to the horticulture industries in rural areas?
Arguments:
  I. Yes, creativity is there among rural people.
  II. Yes, this will help in eradicating problem of unemployment to much extent in rural area.

Options :
               A - Only argument I is strong.
               B - Only argument II is strong.
               C - Either I or II is strong.
               D - Neither I nor II is strong.
               E - Both I and II are strong.


Answer - E
Explanation :- Both the arguments are strong enough to support the given statement logically.