More Questions from Statement and Argument

Statement: Should the sale of tobacco products be restricted to only a few licensed outlets in each city/town? Arguments: I. Yes. Concentrating sales points will substantially reduce tobacco consumption. II. No. Buyers should find tobacco products at convenient locations. Choose the option that best identifies the strong argument(s).

Verbal Reasoning Statement and Argument Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
  • A
    if only Arguments I is strong
  • B
    if only Arguments II is strong
  • C
    if either I or II is strong
  • D
    if neither I nor II is strong
  • E
    if both I and II are strong

Answer

Correct Answer: if only Arguments I is strong

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Public-health policies often reduce availability and accessibility of harmful products to curb initiation and impulse purchases. A strong argument should relate the restriction to health outcomes, not convenience alone.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Tobacco has negative health externalities and addiction risks.
  • Fewer points of sale can increase friction costs and enable better enforcement of age checks.

Concept / Approach:Assess whether the argument advances legitimate public-health goals.

Step-by-Step Solution:Argument I: Limiting outlets can reduce impulsive purchases, improve compliance monitoring, and support taxation/packaging rules. This directly furthers health policy objectives, making it a strong argument.Argument II: Convenience is not a sufficient ground to trump health policy. Ease of access for harmful products is not a public-interest criterion. Hence II is weak.

Verification / Alternative check:Similar controls exist for alcohol/pharmacy-grade products in various jurisdictions, supporting the logic in I.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:“Only II” prioritises convenience over public health; “either” treats a weak convenience claim as equal to a health-based rationale; “neither” ignores I; “both” is inconsistent.

Common Pitfalls:Equating consumer convenience with public good; ignoring enforcement benefits of licensing.

Final Answer:Only Argument I is strong.

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