Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Disagreement
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The word controversy is frequently used in news reports, examinations and everyday discussions. Reasoning questions often ask what feature is essential to a concept, that is, which characteristic must always be present for the term to apply. In this question, you have to choose the one element that is always present whenever there is a controversy.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The term controversy refers to a situation of public dispute or heated debate.
- The options list associated feelings and situations: dislike, injustice, disagreement, and anger.
- We must identify the element that is necessary in every controversy, not something that may or may not occur.
Concept / Approach:
To solve such verification of truth questions, you should focus on the definition of the key word. Controversy means a prolonged public disagreement or dispute about a matter of opinion, policy, belief, or fact. The central idea is that people hold opposing views. Emotional states like anger or dislike and conditions like injustice can appear, but they are not required by the definition. The option that best captures the core of controversy must be the correct answer.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that controversy is essentially a dispute or argument about a topic.
Step 2: Ask which conditions are always present. Without two or more sides differing, there can be no controversy.
Step 3: Recognise that this essential feature is disagreement, because each side supports a different position.
Step 4: Notice that dislike may not be present. People can disagree yet respect one another.
Step 5: Injustice is also not necessary. Many controversies are about taste, theory or interpretation where nobody is being treated unfairly.
Step 6: Anger is also optional. Some controversies remain calm and polite, especially in academic contexts.
Step 7: Therefore, the only element that must always exist in a controversy is disagreement.
Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine different controversial issues: a debate between scientists about a theory, an argument about a sports decision, or a disagreement about a social policy. In every case, at least two sides hold opposing opinions. Now imagine a situation where everyone agrees. No matter how strong other feelings are, if there is no difference of opinion, you would not call it a controversy. This confirms disagreement as the essential condition.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dislike: People may have warm personal relationships and still be in controversy over an idea or decision.
Injustice: Many controversies are about which approach is better, not necessarily about unfair treatment.
Anger: Controversies can be conducted with calm discussion and mutual respect, so anger is not required.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse common side effects with essential features. Because news controversies often show anger and accusations of injustice, it is easy to assume these are necessary. The key is to separate emotional or dramatic aspects from the logical core of the concept. Always go back to the basic dictionary type meaning and test each option against that core idea.
Final Answer:
Controversy always necessarily involves disagreement.
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