Statement and Argument - Verbal and Reasoning

Directions to SolveEach 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.
Q1:

Statement: Should cutting of trees be banned altogether? Arguments:
  1. Yes. It is very much necessary to do so to restore ecological balance.
  2. No. A total ban would harm timber based industries.

A Only argument I is strong

B Only argument II is strong

C Either I or II is strong

D Neither I nor II is strong

E Both I and II are strong

ANS:E - Both I and II are strong

Explanation: Clearly, trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and so must be preserved. So, argument I holds. Also, trees form the basic source of timber and a complete ban on cutting of trees would harm timber based industries. So, only a controlled cutting of trees should be allowed and the loss replenished by planting more trees. So, argument II is also valid.