In each of the questions below consists of a question and two statements…
2023
In each of the questions below consists of a question and two statements numbered I and II given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements are sufficient to answer the question. Read both the statements
Question: What time did the train leave today ?
Statements:
I. The train normally leaves on time.
II. The scheduled departure is at 14 : 30.
- A.
I alone is sufficient while II alone is not sufficient
- B.
II alone is sufficient while I alone is not sufficient
- C.
Either I or II is sufficient
- D.
Neither I nor II is sufficient
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept: In Data Sufficiency, a statement is sufficient only if it establishes the exact fact the question asks for. A statement describing a general habit or a planned/scheduled value does not by itself confirm what actually happened on a specific occasion, unless it explicitly rules out any exception.
Application: Statement I says the train normally leaves on time, this describes a general habit and does not confirm that it left on time specifically today, since any single day could be an exception. Statement II gives only the scheduled departure of 14:30, a plan, not a report of what actually occurred, so it does not confirm the actual departure time either. Combining I and II still does not help, statement I only tells us the train usually keeps to its schedule, it never states that today was not one of the exceptions, so the actual departure time today remains unconfirmed even when both statements are read together.
Cross-check: If a single statement fixed today's departure time, the answer would point to that statement alone; if only the combination fixed it, the answer would require both together. Since neither the habitual claim nor the scheduled value, alone or combined, confirms today's actual departure time, the data given is insufficient to answer the question.