Statement and Argument Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
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In a statement and argument question, a question or a proposal is given, followed by two arguments in favour or against it. You have to decide which argument is strong and which is weak. These statement and argument notes for SSC explain what makes an argument strong, with a table of rules and solved examples.
Strong and Weak Arguments
| Point | Strong argument | Weak argument |
|---|---|---|
| Link with the statement | Directly connected with the main point | Not connected or only partly connected |
| Nature | Based on facts, rules or clear reasons | Based on opinion, feeling or a guess |
| Language | Specific and clear | Vague, general or emotional |
| Scope | Gives a reason that is important and wide | Gives a small, personal or one-time reason |
| Example | "Yes, because it saves lives." | "No, because I do not like it." |
Rules to Judge an Argument
- The argument must answer the question in the statement (Yes or No) and give a reason.
- A strong argument is relevant, practical and useful for most people.
- An argument that only compares with another thing, like "other countries do it", is weak.
- An argument that depends on fear or an extreme result is weak.
- An argument that repeats the question is weak.
- Both arguments can be strong, and both can be weak.
Common Patterns
| Pattern | Usually |
|---|---|
| Argument based on a fact, a law or a clear benefit | Strong |
| Argument based on "everyone does it", "I feel", "people like it" | Weak |
| Argument that gives an unrelated reason | Weak |
| Argument that talks about the cost only, when the question is about a basic need | Weak |
| Argument that gives a long-term and wide benefit | Strong |
Answer Options
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Only argument I is strong | I is strong and II is weak |
| Only argument II is strong | II is strong and I is weak |
| Either I or II is strong | The two are opposite and both are equally strong |
| Neither I nor II is strong | Both are weak |
| Both I and II are strong | Both give strong and relevant reasons |
Solved Examples
Example 1. Statement: Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
I. Yes, plastic bags pollute the environment and harm animals. II. No, plastic bags are very cheap.
I gives a clear and important reason. II talks about the price only. Answer: only I is strong.
Example 2. Statement: Should all students wear a school uniform?
I. Yes, a uniform removes the difference between rich and poor students. II. No, some students may not like the colour.
I is a strong and wide reason. II is a personal opinion. Answer: only I is strong.
Example 3. Statement: Should the government increase the tax on tobacco?
I. Yes, it will reduce the use of tobacco and improve health. II. Yes, other countries have done it.
I gives a direct health reason. II only compares with other countries. Answer: only I is strong.
Example 4. Statement: Should voting be made compulsory?
I. Yes, it will increase the participation of citizens in the election. II. No, it takes away the freedom of choice of a citizen.
Both give relevant and important reasons. Answer: both I and II are strong.
Quick Tips
- First check if the argument answers the question in the statement.
- Reject the arguments that are only opinions or comparisons.
- Prefer arguments with facts, safety, health, law or a wide benefit.
- Do not choose a side with your own feeling; judge only the strength of the reason.
Quick Revision Points
- A strong argument is relevant, specific and important.
- A weak argument is vague, personal or unrelated.
- Comparison with other countries is weak.
- Both arguments can be strong or weak.
- The argument must answer the question in the statement.
Practice Questions With Answers
- What is a strong argument?
Answer: A relevant, clear and important reason connected with the statement - Is "I do not like it" a strong argument?
Answer: No, it is a personal opinion - Is "other countries do it" a strong argument?
Answer: No, it is only a comparison - Statement: Should junk food be banned in schools? Argument: Yes, it harms the health of children. Is it strong?
Answer: Yes - Statement: Should junk food be banned in schools? Argument: No, it is tasty. Is it strong?
Answer: No - Statement: Should helmet use be compulsory? Argument: Yes, it saves lives in accidents. Is it strong?
Answer: Yes - Can both arguments be strong?
Answer: Yes - Can both arguments be weak?
Answer: Yes - What does the argument have to answer?
Answer: The question or the proposal in the statement - Is an argument with fear and an extreme result strong?
Answer: No
How to Practise This Chapter
Learn the rules, solve ten questions daily and write the reason for every answer. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Logical Reasoning notes page, and also read the Syllogism and Reasoning notes. Read the previous topic, Statement and Assumption, and the next topic, Course of Action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a statement and argument question?
It is a question in which a proposal is given with two arguments, and you decide which arguments are strong.
What is a strong argument?
A strong argument is directly related to the statement, based on facts or clear reasons and important for most people.
What is a weak argument?
A weak argument is vague, personal, unrelated or based only on opinion or comparison.
Can both arguments be strong?
Yes. If both give relevant and important reasons, both are strong.
Should I use my own opinion?
No. Judge only how strong the reason is, and not whether you agree with it.
Is a comparison with other countries a strong argument?
No. It does not give a reason, so it is usually weak.
Is an argument based on cost always weak?
It is weak when the question is about a basic need like health or safety.
How much time should I take for one question?
About 30 to 40 seconds.
Is this topic asked in SSC exams?
Yes. It is part of logical reasoning in several SSC papers.
What are common mistakes?
Choosing the argument because you agree with it and missing the link with the statement.
What does the either-or option mean here?
It is used when two opposite arguments are equally strong, so that one of them can be accepted.
How many questions come from this topic in SSC exams?
Usually one or two, but the number changes from year to year.
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Statement and Assumption Notes for SSC Exams
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Course of Action Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.