Statement and Arguments – CSAT Notes

Statement and argument question consists of a Statement followed by some arguments in against or in favour. Candidates would have to be able to tell the difference between strong and weak arguments. 'Strong' arguments are ones that are both important and directly related to questions, whereas 'weak' arguments are those that are less important and related to questions indirectly.

In this article, all the concepts of the statement and argument along with solved examples, Previous year questions, tips, and tricks are described, which is important for UPSC – CSAT.

Types of Argument

Strong Argument

• A strong argument is one that is logical, practical, and applicable to everyone.
• The most significant aspect is that an argument must be based on logic, and that logic must be relevant in the context.
• While choosing a strong argument, the following points should be considered.
  • Established Facts/Analysed Truth: The given argument is an established fact that is usually true in this form of powerful argument.
  • Experience-based/Experience predicts the following outcome: The arguments in this style of a strong argument are true as a result of previous experiences.
  • Universal truth/prevailing notion of truth: The arguments in this form of a strong argument are unquestionably or universally accepted as true.

Weak Argument

• An illogical, impractical, or irrelevant argument is a weak one. Exaggerated claims and illustrations are also weak arguments.
• These may or may not be relevant to the question, and the reasoning part is weak. Opinion-based, unclear, or needless arguments are examples of such arguments.
• While choosing a weak argument, the following points should be considered.
  • Ambiguous Arguments: In this form of a weak argument, the question does not specify how the argument relates to the course of action or what the author is trying to communicate, hence the argument is weak.
  • Superfluous Arguments: In this form of a weak argument, the arguments are superfluous and do not provide a thorough understanding of the situation; thus, these arguments are weak.
  • Question-back Argument: In this sort of weak argument, the arguer asks a question to which the arguer responds with a question.
  • Opinion: Any argument that includes a personal suggestion, personal opinion, personal comment, or other personal information is considered weak.
  • Simple Argument: Any argument that proves the sentence is copying/imitating something will be considered weak.

Tips and Tricks to Solve Statement and Arguments Questions

Candidates can use the tips and tricks listed below to answer questions in the Statement and Argument.

1. Before answering the questions about the statement and argument, do a preliminary screening of the question.
2. In the case of a strong argument, double-check that the arguments aren't absurd or irrelevant.
3. If an argument is ambiguous or opinionated, it can be considered weak.

Types of Questions

There are two different types of questions that can be asked:

Type 1 - Two Arguments Based

In these questions, a statement is followed by two arguments. Candidates must be able to differentiate between strong and weak arguments. In general, these arguments are contrary to each otherand refer to positive and negative results.

Example:

Statement: Should new big industries be started in Ahmedabad?

Arguments:

(a) Yes, it will result in the creation of new work possibilities.

(b) No, it will contribute to the city's pollution.

(c) Only I is strong

(d) Only II is strong

(e) Either I or II is strong

(f) Neither I nor II is strong

(g) Both I and II are strong

Type 2 - More Than Two Arguments Based

In these questions, a statement is followed by more than two arguments. Candidates are required to distinguish between the strong and weak arguments.

Example:

Statement: Should stylish clothing be banned.

Arguments:

1. Yes. Fashions change, and as a result, cloth consumption rises.
2. No. Fashionable clothing is a person's means of self-expression and hence a fundamental right.

III. Yes, it increases the cost of living.

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) Both I and III is strong

(d) Both II and III is strong

(e) Both I and II are strong

Previous Year Questions asked in CSAT

Geeta : Naresh has become a better boxer since he started meditation.

Radha : Impossible. A boxer’s most important asset is his aggressiveness.

Radha’s statement reflects her belief that (UPSC 2015)

(a) meditation tends to make a person less aggressive

(b) meditation has little or no effect on the person who practises it

(c) Naresh was a poor boxer earlier, because he was not aggressive enough

(d) Naresh would not have taken to meditation as he was a boxer