Statement: “People who speak too much against corruption are those who have taken it themselves.” Conclusions: I. It is easier for those who have taken bribes to speak against corruption. II. People have double standards. Which conclusion(s) logically follow(s)?
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AIf only Conclusion I follows
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BIf only Conclusion II follows
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CIf neither Conclusion I nor II follows
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DIf both Conclusions I and II follow
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EIf either Conclusion I or II follows
Answer
Correct Answer: If only Conclusion II follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The statement alleges that those who vehemently denounce corruption are themselves corrupt. This is essentially a claim of hypocrisy or double standards, not an analysis of ease or difficulty of speaking.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Allegation: Strong anti-corruption speech often comes from corrupt individuals.
- No information about why or how easy it is to speak.
Concept / Approach:We must pick conclusions that are compelled by the statement alone. “Double standards” is a natural restatement (denouncing behavior one practices). Ease of speaking is not discussed and cannot be inferred.
Step-by-Step Solution:
• I: Talks about relative ease—this is speculative and not stated.• II: Hypocrisy/double standards logically matches the claim.Verification / Alternative check:If X practices corruption while loudly attacking it, X exhibits double standards; this requires no extra assumptions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Only I / Both / Either: Each involves I, which is unsupported.• Neither: Incorrect because II does follow.Common Pitfalls:Reading motivations (e.g., guilt, ease) into a statement that only asserts hypocrisy.
Final Answer:If only Conclusion II follows.