Practice Logical Reasoning questions on Statement and Argument, covering strong and weak arguments, relevant reasoning, assumptions, supporting evidence, and evaluating whether an argument logically supports a given statement. Takes about 20–25 minutes and is useful for placement, TCS NQT, SSC, banking and MBA entrance exams.
Question 1
Statement: Should the internet be banned in schools?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Children will then use their time only for playing.
II. No. Students would lose access to a large source of knowledge.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Children will then use their time only for playing.
II. No. Students would lose access to a large source of knowledge.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, the internet is a large source of knowledge for students, so argument II is strong. Argument I is based on an unfair assumption that the children would only play. So, only argument II is strong.
Question 2
Statement: Should the use of plastic bags in shops be stopped?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Plastic bags harm the environment because they do not decompose.
II. No. Plastic bags are cheap.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Plastic bags harm the environment because they do not decompose.
II. No. Plastic bags are cheap.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, the harm that plastic bags cause to the environment is a strong reason to stop using them. The low price of the bags is not a strong reason to keep using them in spite of the harm. So, only argument I is strong.
Question 3
Statement: Should people be forbidden to keep pets in apartment buildings?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Pets are dirty animals.
II. No. Everyone should have whatever they like.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Pets are dirty animals.
II. No. Everyone should have whatever they like.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, argument I is a sweeping statement, because pets that are properly cared for are not dirty. Argument II is vague, since people cannot be given everything they like. So, neither argument is strong.
Question 4
Statement: Should all doctors trained in India be compelled to serve in India for ten years?
Arguments:
I. Yes. They must repay the motherland first and forget about money.
II. No. There are enough doctors; let them go where they want.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. They must repay the motherland first and forget about money.
II. No. There are enough doctors; let them go where they want.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, argument I is emotional and gives no practical reason, and the statement that there are enough doctors in argument II is not supported by any facts. So, neither argument is strong.
Question 5
Statement: Should the school day be extended by one hour?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Teachers can complete the syllabus without hurry.
II. Yes. All students should be kept in school as long as possible.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Teachers can complete the syllabus without hurry.
II. Yes. All students should be kept in school as long as possible.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, more time would let the teachers complete the syllabus without hurry, so argument I is strong. Keeping students in school as long as possible is an extreme and unreasoned claim. So, argument II is weak.
Question 6
Statement: Should homework be abolished for students up to Std. IV?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Young children need time to play and rest.
II. No. Without practice at home, children will not develop the habit of study.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Young children need time to play and rest.
II. No. Without practice at home, children will not develop the habit of study.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, young children cannot be burdened with work, and they need time to play and rest. At the same time, they cannot be left free altogether, as they need practice to develop the habit of study. So, both the arguments are strong.
Question 7
Statement: Should farmers be encouraged to use solar pumps?
Arguments:
I. Yes. It will reduce their expenditure on electricity or diesel.
II. Yes. It will help to save fuel and reduce pollution.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. It will reduce their expenditure on electricity or diesel.
II. Yes. It will help to save fuel and reduce pollution.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, solar pumps cut the cost of running a pump and also save fuel and reduce pollution. Both the arguments give valid reasons. So, both arguments are strong.
Question 8
Statement: Should women be encouraged to become entrepreneurs?
Arguments:
I. Yes. They will contribute to the growth of the economy.
II. Yes. It will provide employment to other people.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. They will contribute to the growth of the economy.
II. Yes. It will provide employment to other people.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, women entrepreneurs add to the economy and also create jobs for others. Both the arguments give valid reasons. So, both arguments are strong.
Question 9
Statement: Should schools introduce a gardening class for children?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Children like to play in the mud.
II. Yes. It will teach children about plants and the value of the environment.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Children like to play in the mud.
II. Yes. It will teach children about plants and the value of the environment.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, learning about plants and the environment is a worthwhile aim for a school class. The reason that children like to play in the mud is not a sound reason for a class. So, only argument II is strong.
Question 10
Statement: Should small shops be allowed to open in residential areas?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Shopkeepers are hardworking.
II. Yes. People will be able to buy their daily needs near their homes.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Arguments:
I. Yes. Shopkeepers are hardworking.
II. Yes. People will be able to buy their daily needs near their homes.
Which of the arguments is strong?
Explanation
Clearly, shops near homes are convenient for people, so argument II gives a valid reason. The reason that shopkeepers are hardworking is vague and has no connection with where shops should be opened. So, only argument II is strong.
