Social trend analysis – child migration to cities: “The number of child migrants in large cities is rising; these children leave families and join the urban poor doing odd jobs.” Decide which recommendations/conclusions are logically supported about checking migration and studying the children’s plight.

Given data

• Observed trend: Increasing number of child migrants to big cities.
• Observed condition: They join the urban poor and take up odd jobs.
• Conclusion I: Migration to big cities should be checked.
• Conclusion II: The plight of poor children should be thoroughly studied.

Concept/ApproachThe statement is descriptive, not prescriptive. From a descriptive trend, recommending immediate restriction (I) is normative and not compelled. However, the need for a thorough study (II) is a reasonable, direct response to an identified social issue to inform policy.

Step-by-step evaluation1) Conclusion I introduces a policy imperative ('should be checked') which is not entailed by the mere observation. It may or may not be appropriate—hence it does not necessarily follow.2) Conclusion II proposes study to understand causes/effects, which logically supports informed action and is consistent with the observed problem. It follows as a prudent inference.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing 'is' (fact) with 'ought' (policy) without bridging premises.

Final AnswerOnly conclusion II follows.