Statement and Arguments: Sample Questions

The following Statement and Arguments questions are designed to provide practice on the major patterns commonly used in competitive examinations. The questions focus on logical relevance, practicality, decision-making value, assumptions, emotional reasoning, and the strength of arguments.

While solving these questions, remember that you should not judge an argument according to your personal opinion. Evaluate it objectively using the Relevance → Practicality → Logic → Importance framework.

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Directions for Questions 1 to 20

Each question below consists of a statement followed by two arguments, I and II. Decide which of the arguments is a strong argument and which is a weak argument.

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Basic Level Questions

Question 1

Statement: Should public transport be made more affordable in large cities?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because affordable public transport can make daily travel accessible to more people.

II. Yes, because buses and trains have many different colours.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 2

Statement: Should cities introduce more dedicated bicycle lanes?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because dedicated lanes can improve safety for cyclists.

II. No, because bicycles are available in different colours.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 3

Statement: Should school libraries receive additional funding?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because additional funding can help schools purchase educational resources and maintain library facilities.

II. Yes, because many students like sitting near windows.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 4

Statement: Should the government improve road safety measures?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because better road safety measures can reduce the risk of accidents.

II. No, because roads are generally long.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 5

Statement: Should companies provide employees with flexible working hours?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because flexible schedules may help employees manage work and personal responsibilities more effectively.

II. No, because office buildings have different designs.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 6

Statement: Should the government restrict the use of single-use plastic products?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because reducing single-use plastic can help reduce waste and environmental damage.

II. No, because some plastic products have attractive packaging.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 7

Statement: Should schools introduce more practical skill-based courses?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because practical skills can help students apply knowledge in real-world situations.

II. No, because classrooms are usually rectangular.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 8

Statement: Should public hospitals increase the number of emergency-care facilities?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because additional emergency facilities can improve access to urgent medical care.

II. Yes, because hospitals are usually large buildings.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 9

Statement: Should cities develop more green spaces?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because green spaces can provide recreational areas and contribute to a healthier urban environment.

II. No, because flowers are available in many colours.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 10

Statement: Should government offices increase the use of digital services?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because digital services can reduce paperwork and improve processing efficiency.

II. No, because computers are often placed on desks.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Questions Based on Practical Consequences

Question 11

Statement: Should the government expand investment in renewable energy?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because diversification of energy sources can reduce dependence on conventional fuels.

II. No, because renewable energy projects may require substantial initial investment.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 12

Statement: Should a city introduce a congestion charge in its busiest areas?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because such a charge may discourage unnecessary private-vehicle use.

II. No, because the charge could create difficulties for people who do not have suitable public-transport alternatives.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 13

Statement: Should companies allow employees to work remotely?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because remote work can reduce commuting time for employees.

II. No, because some jobs require physical presence and cannot be performed effectively from home.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 14

Statement: Should public transport operate for longer hours?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because people working late shifts may need reliable transport.

II. No, because extending operating hours may increase staffing and operating costs.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 15

Statement: Should universities increase online learning options?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because online options can provide flexibility to students who cannot attend every class physically.

II. No, because some subjects require laboratories or specialised physical facilities.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 16

Statement: Should governments promote the use of electric public buses?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because electric buses can reduce emissions from conventional fuel use.

II. No, because large-scale adoption may require investment in charging infrastructure.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 17

Statement: Should offices adopt a four-day working week?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because a shorter work week may improve employee well-being and productivity in some organisations.

II. No, because some industries require continuous operations throughout the week.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 18

Statement: Should cities impose restrictions on private vehicles in highly congested areas?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because restrictions may reduce traffic volume in areas with severe congestion.

II. No, because adequate alternative transport may not be available for all affected commuters.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 19

Statement: Should schools increase the use of digital learning tools?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because digital tools can provide access to interactive educational resources.

II. No, because excessive dependence on digital tools may create difficulties for students who have limited access to devices or reliable internet.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 20

Statement: Should a city introduce more paid parking zones in crowded commercial areas?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because paid parking may discourage unnecessary long-term parking in high-demand areas.

II. No, because some small businesses may be concerned about the effect on customers who drive to the area.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Questions Based on Weak, Vague and Trivial Arguments

Question 21

Statement: Should the government improve rural healthcare infrastructure?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because rural healthcare is important.

II. Yes, because hospitals and clinics are useful.

Answer: (d) If neither I nor II is strong.

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Question 22

Statement: Should a city construct more pedestrian crossings?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because pedestrian crossings can improve safety for people crossing busy roads.

II. Yes, because pedestrians usually wear different types of clothes.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 23

Statement: Should a company improve cybersecurity measures?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because stronger security can reduce the risk of unauthorised access to company systems.

II. Yes, because cybersecurity is a modern topic.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 24

Statement: Should public parks be maintained regularly?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because properly maintained parks can remain safe and usable for the public.

II. No, because park benches can have different shapes.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 25

Statement: Should government offices reduce unnecessary paperwork?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because reducing unnecessary paperwork can improve administrative efficiency.

II. No, because paper is generally white.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Questions Based on Extreme or Absolute Claims

Question 26

Statement: Should schools provide students with access to digital learning resources?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because digital resources can supplement traditional learning methods.

II. Yes, because digital resources are the only way students can learn effectively.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 27

Statement: Should public transport be improved in large cities?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because improved public transport can provide more efficient travel options.

II. Yes, because public transport will definitely solve every traffic problem.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 28

Statement: Should companies provide training to new employees?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because training can help new employees understand their responsibilities and work processes.

II. Yes, because every new employee will otherwise always fail.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 29

Statement: Should cities promote cycling for short-distance travel?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because cycling can provide an alternative to private-vehicle travel for suitable short journeys.

II. Yes, because cycling is the best solution for every transportation problem.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 30

Statement: Should universities expand scholarship programmes?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because scholarships can improve access to higher education for students facing financial constraints.

II. Yes, because scholarships will certainly guarantee success for every student.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Questions Based on Personal Opinion and Emotion

Question 31

Statement: Should the government introduce stricter rules for road safety?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because stricter enforcement may discourage dangerous driving behaviour.

II. No, because people may feel that the government is being unfair.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 32

Statement: Should a company introduce a performance-based reward system?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because linking rewards to measurable performance may motivate employees.

II. No, because some employees may simply dislike the idea.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 33

Statement: Should the government restrict smoking in public places?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because restrictions can reduce exposure of non-smokers to second-hand smoke.

II. No, because smokers will become unhappy.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 34

Statement: Should schools organise more career guidance programmes?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because guidance can help students understand different education and career options.

II. No, because career guidance is not an exciting topic for everyone.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 35

Statement: Should cities invest more in public libraries?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because libraries can provide public access to educational and informational resources.

II. No, because some people do not like reading books.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Questions Based on Unsupported Assumptions

Question 36

Statement: Should students be allowed to use tablets during classroom activities?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because tablets can provide access to digital learning materials.

II. Yes, because every student will automatically use the tablet only for educational purposes.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 37

Statement: Should companies introduce flexible working arrangements?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because flexible arrangements may help employees manage personal responsibilities.

II. Yes, because every employee will become more productive if allowed to work flexibly.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 38

Statement: Should public schools introduce more extracurricular activities?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because extracurricular activities can help students develop skills beyond academic subjects.

II. Yes, because extracurricular activities will make every student equally talented.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 39

Statement: Should cities provide more charging stations for electric vehicles?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because greater charging availability can make electric vehicles more practical for users.

II. Yes, because every vehicle owner will immediately switch to an electric vehicle once charging stations are available.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 40

Statement: Should universities offer more online courses?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because online courses can provide greater flexibility to students.

II. No, because all students will become isolated if online courses are offered.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Questions with Both Arguments Weak

Question 41

Statement: Should the government improve urban drainage systems?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because drainage is a government-related subject.

II. No, because roads can be wide.

Answer: (d) If neither I nor II is strong.

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Question 42

Statement: Should schools increase investment in science laboratories?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because science is a subject taught in schools.

II. No, because laboratory doors have handles.

Answer: (d) If neither I nor II is strong.

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Question 43

Statement: Should a city improve its waste-management system?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because waste management is an important word.

II. No, because people have different favourite colours.

Answer: (d) If neither I nor II is strong.

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Question 44

Statement: Should companies improve employee training programmes?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because training is a good thing.

II. No, because offices contain furniture.

Answer: (d) If neither I nor II is strong.

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Advanced Mixed Questions

Question 45

Statement: Should the government provide free school education?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because reducing financial barriers can improve access to education for children from lower-income families.

II. No, because free education is always impossible to finance.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 46

Statement: Should the government increase taxes on products that create significant environmental waste?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because higher costs may discourage excessive consumption of such products.

II. No, because the tax may increase the cost burden on consumers who have limited alternatives.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 47

Statement: Should schools make physical education compulsory?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because regular physical activity can contribute to students' health and fitness.

II. No, because every student should spend all school time studying academic subjects.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Question 48

Statement: Should government offices move more services online?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because online services can make certain transactions more convenient and reduce processing time.

II. No, because some citizens may lack reliable internet access or sufficient digital skills.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 49

Statement: Should companies introduce stricter data-protection policies?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because stronger data protection can reduce the risk of misuse of sensitive information.

II. No, because implementing stronger controls may increase administrative and operational costs.

Answer: (e) If both I and II are strong.

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Question 50

Statement: Should universities increase the number of entrance scholarships?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because scholarships can help financially constrained students access higher education.

II. No, because scholarships will definitely make the university the best institution in the country.

Answer: (a) If only Argument I is strong.

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Questions 51 to 55: Three Arguments

The following questions contain three arguments. Evaluate each argument independently before selecting the correct combination.

Question 51

Statement: Should the government introduce stricter rules for the disposal of electronic waste?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because improper disposal of electronic waste can create environmental and health risks.

II. No, because electronic devices are available in many different designs.

III. Yes, because better disposal systems can improve the recovery of useful materials.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and III are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (c) I and III are strong.

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Question 52

Statement: Should cities increase investment in public transport?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because better public transport can provide alternatives to private vehicles.

II. No, because public transport vehicles require maintenance.

III. Yes, because improved public transport may help reduce traffic congestion in suitable circumstances.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and III are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (c) I and III are strong.

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Question 53

Statement: Should schools introduce more career counselling programmes?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because counselling can help students understand different career options.

II. No, because counselling rooms may need furniture.

III. Yes, because students may need guidance when choosing education and career paths.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and III are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (c) I and III are strong.

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Question 54

Statement: Should cities restrict private vehicles in severely congested zones?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because restrictions may reduce the number of private vehicles in the affected area.

II. No, because restrictions may inconvenience commuters who lack suitable alternatives.

III. Yes, because private vehicles are always the main cause of every traffic problem.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) I and II are strong

(c) II and III are strong

(d) Only III is strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (b) I and II are strong.

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Question 55

Statement: Should public hospitals increase investment in emergency facilities?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because additional emergency facilities can improve access to urgent medical care.

II. No, because emergency departments may require additional staff and resources.

III. No, because hospitals should never spend more money.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and II are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (c) I and II are strong.

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Questions 56 to 60: Advanced Decision-Making

Question 56

Statement: Should the government introduce a system of obtaining a service commitment from students receiving publicly funded professional education?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because the government may seek a reasonable public return on substantial public investment in education.

II. No, because an inflexible commitment may restrict graduates who have legitimate reasons to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

III. Yes, because this is the only way to ensure that every graduate serves the country.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and II are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (c) I and II are strong.

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Question 57

Statement: Should government offices provide all major citizen services through digital platforms?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because digital platforms can make many services faster and more convenient.

II. No, because some citizens may have limited internet access or digital skills.

III. Yes, because every citizen prefers online services.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) I and II are strong

(c) II and III are strong

(d) Only III is strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (b) I and II are strong.

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Question 58

Statement: Should companies introduce mandatory cybersecurity training for employees?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because employees can play an important role in preventing common security incidents.

II. No, because training requires time and organisational resources.

III. Yes, because cybersecurity training will completely eliminate all cyber threats.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and II are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (c) I and II are strong.

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Question 59

Statement: Should cities increase the number of public charging stations for electric vehicles?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because charging availability can make electric vehicles more practical for users.

II. No, because charging infrastructure requires investment and maintenance.

III. Yes, because every petrol vehicle will immediately disappear once charging stations are installed.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) I and II are strong

(c) II and III are strong

(d) Only III is strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (b) I and II are strong.

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Question 60

Statement: Should schools introduce compulsory financial-literacy education?

Arguments:

I. Yes, because basic financial knowledge can help students make more informed financial decisions in the future.

II. No, because schools already teach several other subjects.

III. Yes, because financial literacy will guarantee that every student becomes wealthy.

Options:

(a) Only I is strong

(b) Only II is strong

(c) I and II are strong

(d) II and III are strong

(e) All I, II and III are strong

Answer: (a) Only I is strong.

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Quick Answer Key

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Common Traps in Statement and Arguments Questions

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Fast Solving Strategy

When solving Statement and Arguments questions under time pressure, use the following sequence:

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LearnFrenzy 10-Second Test

If you have very little time, use this compact test:

If the answer is mostly Yes, the argument is likely to be strong. If it fails several of these checks, it is likely to be weak.

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Final Takeaways

• Always understand the statement before evaluating an argument.
• Identify the central issue first.
• Check relevance before anything else.
• Look for practical consequences involving cost, safety, efficiency, accessibility, resources, environment, or social impact.
• Do not confuse personal opinion with logical strength.
• Be careful with absolute and exaggerated claims.
• Do not accept unsupported assumptions.
• A true statement can still be a weak argument if it is irrelevant.
• Both supporting and opposing arguments can be strong.
• Both arguments can also be weak.
• For three or more arguments, evaluate every argument independently.
• Use Relevance → Practicality → Logic → Importance as the core solving framework.