Reasoning

Statement and Argument: Practice Questions with Answers

11 practice questions on Statement and Argument, with answers; most also have an explanation or a worked solution. Try each one before you open its answer.

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1. Q.1

   Statement: Should the use of private vehicles be restricted in city centres? Arguments: I. Yes, it would reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in densely populated areas. II. No, because some people might not like the restriction.

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   Answer: Only argument I is strong

   Solution:

   1. I: Names specific, weighty, measurable consequences (congestion, pollution) directly tied to the proposal. Strong.
   2. II: "Might not like it" is a vague personal reaction, not a weighty practical consequence. Weak.

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2. Q.2

   Statement: Should schools introduce compulsory computer education from an early age? Arguments: I. Yes, early exposure to technology will better prepare students for a digital economy. II. No, it would require significant investment in infrastructure and teacher training that many schools cannot currently afford.

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   Answer: Both arguments are strong

   Solution:

   1. I: A specific, weighty future benefit directly tied to the proposal. Strong.
   2. II: A specific, weighty practical constraint directly tied to the proposal. Strong.

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3. Q.3

   Statement: Should higher education be made completely free for all students? Arguments: I. Yes, it would make education accessible to economically weaker sections who currently cannot afford it. II. No, it would require the government to allocate significantly more funds, which could affect other essential public services.

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   Answer: Both arguments are strong

   Solution:

   1. I: A specific, weighty benefit (access for those currently priced out) directly tied to the proposal. Strong.
   2. II: A specific, weighty cost (funding tradeoffs against other services) directly tied to the proposal. Strong.

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4. Q.4

   Statement: Should the government increase funding for space research? Arguments: I. Yes, because space is vast and interesting. II. No, because other countries also fund space research.

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   Answer: Neither argument is strong

   Solution:

   1. I: "Interesting" isn’t a weighty justification for a funding priority — too vague. Weak.
   2. II: Other countries’ funding choices don’t address whether this government should increase its own funding. Weak.

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5. Q.5

   Statement: Should voting be made mandatory for all eligible citizens? Arguments: I. Yes, mandatory voting would increase voter turnout and ensure governments better reflect the will of the majority. II. No, people should be free to do whatever they want.

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   Answer: Only argument I is strong

   Solution:

   1. I: Gives a specific, weighty reason — better representation through higher turnout. Strong.
   2. II: A vague generalization about freedom that doesn’t engage with the specific tradeoffs of mandatory voting. Weak.

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6. Q.6

   Statement: Should smoking be banned in all public places? Arguments: I. No, people have been smoking for centuries, so it should continue. II. Yes, passive smoking harms the health of non-smokers who have no choice in the matter.

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   Answer: Only argument II is strong

   Solution:

   1. I: Tradition alone isn’t a reason to continue something with proven harms — this doesn’t engage with the actual issue. Weak.
   2. II: A specific, weighty harm to non-consenting third parties — directly relevant to why a ban might be justified. Strong.

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7. Q.7

   Statement: Should the city build a new stadium? Arguments: I. Yes, because sports are fun. II. No, because the old stadium already exists.

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   Answer: Neither argument is strong

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8. Q.8

   Statement: Should plastic bags be banned in retail stores? Arguments: I. Yes, plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose and cause significant environmental harm. II. No, people like using plastic bags.

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   Answer: Only argument I is strong

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9. Q.9

   Statement: Should remote work be made a permanent option for all office employees? Arguments: I. Yes, it reduces commuting costs and time for employees. II. No, because some managers personally prefer seeing employees in the office.

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   Answer: Only argument I is strong

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10. Q.10

    Statement: Should companies be required to publicly disclose their environmental impact? Arguments: I. Yes, it would hold companies accountable and help consumers make informed choices. II. No, because the information might be misused.

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    Answer: Only argument I is strong

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11. Q.11

    Statement: Should employees be allowed to work from home permanently? Arguments: I. Yes, it reduces commuting time and increases work-life balance for employees. II. No, it can reduce spontaneous collaboration and weaken team cohesion over time.

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    Answer: Both arguments are strong

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