Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Both arguments 1 and 2 are strong
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question concerns the relationship between academic qualifications and employment. The proposal is to delink jobs from degrees and diplomas. Two arguments are given, both opposing the proposal but for different reasons. Your role is to decide whether each argument is strong, weak or irrelevant.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A strong argument must highlight realistic consequences or important principles. In this context, qualifications act as minimum standards. If jobs are fully delinked from degrees, employers may face a flood of applications from candidates who do not meet basic educational requirements, and students may lose motivation to pursue higher studies seriously.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine argument 1. It predicts that delinking jobs from degrees will significantly increase the number of low qualified applicants.
Step 2: This is a realistic outcome. Without educational filters, many unsuitable candidates may apply, making recruitment inefficient. So argument 1 is strong.
Step 3: Examine argument 2. It says that if jobs are not linked with degrees, the value of higher education will decrease.
Step 4: This is also logical, because one major motivation for obtaining higher qualifications is better employment. If that link disappears, many may not invest time and money in advanced education. So argument 2 is also strong.
Verification / Alternative check:
Think from the point of view of students and employers. Both need some connection between education and jobs for the system to work efficiently. Hence both arguments align with realistic concerns.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options that treat only one argument as strong ignore the validity of the other. The option that neither argument is strong is wrong because both present meaningful consequences. The option that only one is partly strong does not match the clear reasoning present in both arguments.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may think that any restrictive argument against reform is conservative and weak. However, in examination questions, you must judge logical strength, not personal preference. Here both arguments highlight genuine systemic risks.
Final Answer:
Therefore, both arguments 1 and 2 are strong, and the correct option is the one that selects both as strong.
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