Each question given below consists of a statement, followed by two arguments…
2025
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.
Statement: Should adult education programme be given priority over compulsory education programme?
Arguments:
No. It will also help in success of compulsory education programme.
Yes. It will help to eliminate the adult illiteracy
- 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
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept: An argument in this type of question is 'strong' only if it is directly relevant to the statement, addresses a real and significant aspect of the issue, and its stated reason actually supports (rather than works against) its own conclusion. It is 'weak' if the reasoning does not logically justify its own conclusion or does not address the core issue.
Applying it here: Argument I concludes 'No' (adult education should not get priority) but justifies this by saying it 'will also help in the success of compulsory education programme.' That reasoning does not support a 'No' conclusion — if adult education helps compulsory education succeed, that is a reason FOR giving it priority, not against it. Since the premise contradicts its own conclusion, argument I is weak.
Argument II concludes 'Yes' and justifies this by saying it 'will help to eliminate the adult illiteracy.' Eliminating illiteracy is a significant, directly relevant social benefit that logically supports prioritizing adult education, so this argument is internally consistent and strong.
Cross-check: Exactly one of the two arguments meets the strength criteria (a valid, relevant, self-consistent reason) — argument II — while argument I fails because its premise undercuts its own conclusion.