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.
Give answer:
(A) If only argument I is strong
(B) If only argument II is strong
(C) If either I or II is strong
(D) If neither I nor II is strong and
(E) If both I and II are strong.
31.
Statement: Should there be concentration of foreign investment in only few states?
Arguments:
No. It is against the policy of overall development of the country.
Yes. A large number of states lack infrastructure to attract foreign investment.
An equitable distribution of foreign investment is a must for uniform development all over the country. So, argument I holds. Also, no backward state ought to be neglected, rather such states should be prepared and shaped up to attract. Foreign investment as well. So, II does not hold.
Statement: Should the oil companies be allowed to fix the price of petroleum products depending on market conditions?
Arguments:
Yes. This is the only way to make the oil companies commercially viable.
No. This will put additional burden on the retail prices of essential commodities and will cause a lot of hardships to the masses.
Clearly, oil is an essential commodity and its prices govern the prices of other essential commodities. As such, the interest of the common people must be taken care of, rather than the profitability of some oil companies. So, only argument II holds strong.
Statement: Should the education at all levels be offered only in vernacular medium?
Arguments:
Yes. This is the only way to enhance performance of the students.
No. This will severely affect acquiring knowledge for want of good text books in vernacular medium.
Teaching in vernacular medium would surely make it easy for students to grasp. But the use of 'only' in argument I makes if invalid. Also, teaching in international language would open up more avenues for students - in procuring books and study material, in going abroad for studies as well as taking up jobs which require interaction with people of different nationalities. So, argument II holds strong,
Statement: Should there be only one rate of interest for term deposits of varying durations in banks?
Arguments:
No. People will refrain from keeping money for longer duration resulting into reduction of liquidity level of banks.
Yes. This will be much simple for the common people and they may be encouraged to keep more money in banks.
Clearly, the proposed scheme would discourage people from keeping deposits for longer durations (the rate of interest being the same for short durations) and not draw in more funds. So, only argument I holds.
Statement: Should all news be controlled by Government in a democracy?
Arguments:
Yes. Variety of news only confuses people.
No. Controlled news loses credibility.
Clearly, the variety of news helps people to develop their own views. So, argument I is vague. Also, controlled news shall be a partial produce. So, it loses credibility Thus, argument II holds.
