Direction : Read the following information answer the given questions. The…
2017
Direction : Read the following information answer the given questions.
The agitated guardians of grade IX students of a high-profile public school of North Carolina protested against the newly introduced audio-visual aid of teaching methodology. According to them, it is of benefit to a handful of students only, and majority of students will not be getting any help because of this technology.
These questions are based on the information given above and the sentences given below labeled as I, II, III, IV and V.
I. Change is a gradual process and it takes some time for people to adjust to it.
II. Guardians are happy with the new teaching methodology, i.e. via the use of audio-visual techniques.
III. It is not the responsibility of the school to take care of the weaker students.
IV. This modern technology of teaching should be scrapped as soon as possible.
V. Guardians are unhappy with the new teaching methodology used in the school.
Which of the following could be a possible statement that should be used by the school management to defend themselves?
- A.
Both II and V
- B.
Only III
- C.
Only I
- D.
Only V
- E.
Both IV and III
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
A defence is a statement that justifies or supports the position being attacked, while staying consistent with the known facts. In a critical-reasoning "strengthen / defend" question, the right pick must (a) be factually compatible with the passage and (b) work in favour of the side being defended. Any statement that contradicts the facts, concedes the criticism, or abandons the disputed action cannot serve as a defence.
Application
The school is being criticised for introducing audio-visual teaching that, per the guardians, helps only a few. To defend the decision, the management needs a statement that supports keeping the method while addressing the worry. Examine each labelled statement:
Statement I — "Change is gradual; people need time to adjust." This explains away the early dissatisfaction and argues for persisting with the new method. It genuinely defends the school's choice.
Statement II — "Guardians are happy with the new methodology." This contradicts the passage, which clearly states the guardians protested. A false claim cannot be a valid defence.
Statement III — "It is not the school's responsibility to care for weaker students." This concedes the guardians' point and is confrontational rather than defensive; it weakens the school's standing.
Statement IV — "This technology should be scrapped as soon as possible." This abandons the very decision under defence, so it is the opposite of a defence.
Statement V — "Guardians are unhappy with the new methodology." This merely restates the complaint; it offers no justification and does not defend the school.
Cross-check
Only Statement I both fits the facts and works in the school's favour. Since II is false, and III, IV, V either concede or surrender, the single defensible choice is the one naming Statement I alone.