Statement and Argument Reasoning Questions

Statement and Argument is a very important sub-section of logical reasoning which is asked in various government examinations. Here in this section, we have discussed the practice set of questions for statement and argument.

Arguments have some hidden premises also and such hidden premises are called assumptions. Technically, a statement and argument are two sets of phrases, clauses, and sentences that include a conclusion. The set of questions which are asked in the statement and argument are as follows:

1. Sequential order or arrangement

2. Position test

3. Time sequence test

Questions on Statement and Argument Reasoning

Directions: (1 - 3) Study the following instructions carefully and then answer the questions that follow.
Give Answers according to the following code:
(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
(e) If both I and II are strong

Q1. Statement: Should the cricket team have more than one wicketkeeper in a match?
Arguments: 
(I) Yes, since if one of them gets injured other can do wicketkeeping in place of him/her.
(II) No, since it disturbs the balance of the side.

Solution:

Argument I seems strong as it supports that there must be more than one wicketkeeper. Argument II can be an ambiguous statement therefore it is a weak argument.

Hence, the correct answer is (a).

Q2. Statement: Should parents educate both their daughters and sons equally or the sons must be made more educated so that they can help in financial matters of the home.
Arguments:
(I) No, sons must be made more educated as they are more intelligent than daughters.
(II) Sons must be made more educated since daughters get married and go to another place.

Solution:

In the statement, there is nothing mentioned about intelligence therefore argument I is weak. Argument II supports as daughters go to another home and sons have to look after the home when their parents require it. 
Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Q3. Statement: Plastic must be banned in India?
Arguments:
(I) Yes, since this will reduce environmental pollution.
(II) No, since it will create problems of carrying bags like polythenes for the household people.

Solution:

Argument I supports the statement while argument II creates ambiguity therefore it is a weak argument.
Hence, the correct answer is (a).

Directions: (4 - 6): The giving statement is followed by three or four arguments. Decide which of the options is correct about the given arguments.

Q4. Statement: Should government impose restrictions on the consumption of liquor or not?
Arguments:
(I) Yes consumption of liquor must be banned as it makes the person prone to crimes and accidents also while driving.
(II) No, as the government gets the maximum tax from the liquor selling.
(III) No, since it gives the people a variety in drinks to celebrate and enjoy.

(a) All I, II and III are strong
(b) Arguments I and II are strong
(c) Arguments II and III are strong
(d) Only argument II is strong
(e) None of the above

Solution:

By just reading one can say that, Arguments II and III are weak arguments while I is strong. But we shall see the consequences on the revenue generation, therefore II and III are also strong.
Hence, the correct answer is (a).

Q5. There is an increase in the number of cancer cases over the years although new techniques of treatment have reduced the death rates.
Arguments:
(I) People are going outside India for the treatment of cancer.
(II) Chemotherapies have taken an advance in coming times in the country.
(III) Reduction in the number of deaths is due to awareness nowadays.

(a) All I, II and III are strong
(b) Arguments I and II are strong
(c) Arguments II and III are strong
(d) Only argument II is strong
(e) None of the above

Solution:

Nothing is being discussed about the people going outside India and getting better treatment in the statement. The second argument is strong as chemotherapies in recent times are given by new techniques to patients. Argument III is not supportive as awareness and technique are two different things.
Hence, the correct answer is (d).

Q6. Examinations nowadays has shifted from subjective to the objective system due to which there is an increased cutoff for selection.
Arguments: 
(I) Objective questions have added the dimension of negative marking which reduces the marks and cut-throat competition.
(II) Subjective questions are mistake-prone as in writing mistakes tend to occur therefore it reduces the cutoff.
(III) There must be no subjective test now.

(a) All I, II and III are strong
(b) Arguments I and II are strong
(c) Arguments II and III are strong
(d) Only argument II is strong
(e) None of the above

Solution:

Argument III clearly rejects as in statement no where its said that subjective test must not be taken. Argument II is a weak argument as it creates ambiguity. Argument I is also not supporting. 
Hence, the correct answer is (e).

Q7. Statement: IPL is a glamorous event organised every year. Hard core rich franchises spend millions of rupees to participate in this mega event. Players are bought in crores.
Argument: 
(I) IPL is a waste of money.
(II) Match fixing is done to won their teams so its a corrupted event organised.

(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
(e) If both I and II are strong

Solution :

The argument I is weak as in statement wastage is not discussed. Argument II says about match-fixing while in the statement nowhere it's discussed that match-fixing is the reason for high spending the reason will be maximum revenue generation.
Therefore none of the arguments is strong to support the statement.
Hence, the correct answer is (d).

Q8. Statement: Should India declare itself as Hindu country?
Argument: Yes, because Hinduism is the largest religion of India, with 80 % of the population identifying themselves as Hindu.

Solution : 

This argument given supports the statement as a strong argument. 

Q9. Statement: Should there be mandatory medical check before entry to any medical college.
Argument:
(I) No, this an intrusion to the privacy  of the individual and cannot be tolerated.
(II) Yes this will make the entry of doctors with medically fit background.

(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
(e) If both I and II are strong

Solution : 

Argument I is weak argument. Argument II strongly supports the statement.
Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Q10. Statement: Everyone should learn judo and karate.
Argument: Yes, since it protects the individual from any type of theft or robbery.

Solution :

Argument clearly supports and is a strong argument because it is a fact.

Directions (11 - 13): Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the arguments is a 'strong' argument and which is a 'weak' argument.

Q11. Statement: Should the factories which are in loss must be shut down?
Argument:
(I) No, It will increase the rate of unemployment and many of them will lose their jobs.
(II) Yes, in the competitive rule is the survival of the fittest.

A. Argument I is Strong
B. Argument II is Strong
C. I or II is Strong
D. I and II are Strong

Solution:

Closing down will definitely make the unemployment rate increase and many of them will be unemployed. Therefore argument I hold true.
Argument II is vague as it contradicts the statement.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Q12. Should private engineering colleges be closed in India?
Argument:
(I) Private colleges have less admission due to the reduced engineering craze therefore they must be closed now.
(II) Revenue generation is still maximum in private colleges.

A. Argument I is Strong
B. Argument II is Strong
C. I or II is Strong
D. I and II are Strong

Solution: 

Argument I says about the reduced engineering craze which is the reason behind the closing of engineering colleges in India, therefore its a strong argument. Argument II talks about revenue generation this creates ambiguity and therefore is
Hence, the correct option is (A).

Q13. Criminals must be treated well in jail as they are also human beings?
Argument:
(I) No, since this will inhibit the feeling in them that they can do anything and escape.
(II) Yes, because all humans must be treated equally.

A. Argument I is Strong
B. Argument II is Strong
C. I or II is Strong
D. I and II are Strong

Solution:

The argument I is weak as this is not discussed as a theme in the statement.

Argument II is strong clearly.

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Directions: Statement followed by Argument is given. Answer accordingly.

Q14. Statement: Should teachers be permitted to cane unruly children?
           Argument: No, this will teach them that physical violence is an acceptable means of social behaviour.

Solution:

The argument is strong because it is mentioned that this will teach them that physical violence is an acceptable means of social behaviour.

Q15. Statement: Should the government have helped the victims of triple talaq?
            Argument: No, because they can face their problem.

Solution: 

This argument is weak as they all are not self-dependent and One seeks guidance and help from the Govt only.