Each question below contains a statement followed by two arguments, I and II.…

Concept

In statement-and-argument questions, a strong argument is directly relevant, important, and logically supported; a weak argument may rely mainly on emotion, a rhetorical question, or an unstated assumption.

Each argument is judged independently by what it actually states. Missing premises should not be supplied, and a sympathetic practical concern is not automatically decisive.

Application

1. Argument I asks where the residents would live. It appeals to hardship but does not explain why unauthorized structures should be retained or give a premise showing that the hardship outweighs enforcement; under the standard strong-argument test, it is weak.

2. Argument II states a direct policy consequence: demolition can deter future unauthorized construction by sending a clear enforcement message. That consequence is relevant, substantial, and connected to the wider public interest, so argument II is strong.

Contrast

• “Only argument I is strong” gives conclusive force to the unsubstantiated hardship appeal and excludes the direct deterrence consequence.

• “Only argument II is strong” follows the independent assessment: I lacks a supported reason, while II states a direct public-interest consequence.

• “Either I or II is strong” is not applicable because the two arguments can be assessed independently and yield a definite classification.

• “Neither I nor II is strong” overlooks the relevant deterrence consequence stated in argument II.

Result

Hence, only argument II is strong.