Critical Reasoning – Are nuclear families better than joint families? Arguments: I. No. Joint families ensure security and also reduce the burden of work. II. Yes. Nuclear families ensure greater freedom.
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AOnly argument I is strong
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BOnly argument II is strong
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CEither I or II is strong
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DNeither I nor II is strong
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EBoth I and II are strong
Answer
Correct Answer: Both I and II are strong
Explanation
Introduction / Context:“Arguments” questions ask whether each argument is strong—i.e., directly relevant, reasonable, and capable of supporting a stance. The prompt compares two family structures: joint vs nuclear. We must judge the strength of each argument, not which structure is better.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Topic: comparative merits of joint and nuclear families.
- Argument I (against): Joint families provide security and reduce workload burden.
- Argument II (for): Nuclear families provide greater freedom.
Concept / Approach:A strong argument should be specific to the question, touch on key criteria relevant to “better,” and be plausible. Security/work-sharing and personal freedom/autonomy are central dimensions in such evaluations, making each argument contextually meaningful.
Step-by-Step Evaluation:
Assess I: Security (economic, emotional, child/elder care) and distributed household duties are recognized advantages of joint families. This addresses “better” with concrete benefits, so I is strong.Assess II: Greater independence, decision autonomy, and privacy are hallmark advantages of nuclear families, directly relevant to the “better” criterion for many households. II is strong.Verification / Alternative check:Both arguments cite widely acknowledged, policy-neutral factors that can rationally sway evaluation depending on values and circumstances.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Only I or only II: Ignores that both offer substantive, opposing yet valid considerations.
- Either I or II: Not mutually exclusive; both can be strong simultaneously.
- Neither: Both arguments are clearly relevant and reasonable.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “strength of argument” with personal agreement; assuming a single correct family model irrespective of context.
Final Answer:Both I and II are strong