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Arguments evaluation (instalment buying and consumer welfare): Is purchasing goods on instalments profitable for the customer? Evaluate—(I) Yes: the customer pays less; (II) No: paying instalments upsets the family budget—checking factual correctness and over-generalisation.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Neither I nor II is strong

Explanation:


Given data

  • Topic: Instalment (hire-purchase/EMI) buying.
  • Argument I: Claims the buyer “has to pay less.”
  • Argument II: Claims EMIs upset the family budget.


Concept / Approach
A strong argument must be generally true or well-reasoned. Argument I is factually suspect (interest/charges often increase total outgo). Argument II is an over-generalisation (budget impact depends on income planning).


Step-by-step evaluation
Step 1: I is typically false—EMIs generally cost more than cash price (interest/fees). Hence weak.Step 2: II alleges universal budget disruption; disciplined EMIs can smooth cashflows. The blanket claim is weak.


Verification / Alternative
Profitability depends on discount rates, fees, and opportunity cost—nuanced, not captured by I or II.


Common pitfalls

  • Accepting absolute statements about financial products without conditions.


Final Answer
Neither I nor II is strong.

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