Statement: Should a Conditional Access System (CAS) be implemented in India so TV viewers can select channels and pay only for those chosen? Arguments: I. Yes. CAS would give viewers freedom of choice and allow payment only for selected channels. II. No. The framework ignores clear rights/obligations of broadcasters, cable operators, and consumers, and may end up serving commercial interests over genuine consumer benefit. Select the option that best identifies the strong argument(s).

Verbal Reasoning Statement and Argument Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • 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
  • E
    Both I and II are strong

Answer

Correct Answer: if only argument I is strong

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Statement–Argument questions judge whether an argument directly advances or undermines the policy in a principled, relevant way. Here, the policy is to implement a Conditional Access System (CAS) so viewers choose and pay only for selected channels.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • CAS enables channel-level subscription.
  • Strong arguments should focus on consumer welfare, transparency, and enforceability.
  • We are not provided external statistics; evaluate intrinsic merit.

Concept / Approach:Argument I connects CAS to core consumer benefits—choice and price discrimination aligned with usage. Argument II claims the system neglects rights/obligations and primarily serves commercial interests, but provides no mechanism why CAS inherently prevents a proper regulatory framework or why it must harm consumers.

Step-by-Step Solution:• Assess I: Freedom to pick channels and pay only for them directly addresses consumer surplus and allocative efficiency ⇒ strong.• Assess II: Raises governance/design concerns but as stated is generic and assumes frameworks cannot be clarified. Without showing inherent defect in CAS, it is speculative ⇒ weak.

Verification / Alternative check:If II offered concrete evidence (e.g., mandated bundling negating choice, opaque pricing that historically raised bills), it could be stronger. As framed, it lacks specifics.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Options including II overvalue an unsubstantiated caution; “either” is incorrect because I is independently strong; “neither” ignores I’s direct relevance.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing design/implementation gaps with invalidation of the underlying policy objective.

Final Answer:Only argument I is strong.

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