Critical Reasoning — Conclusions Statement: 'This book Z is the only book that focuses on the problem of poverty in India between 1950 and 1980.' Which conclusion(s) follow?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only conclusion II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We are told book Z is the only one focusing on poverty in India during 1950–1980. We test: (I) there was no poverty before 1950; (II) no other book deals with poverty in India in 1950–1980. We must accept only what is directly implied by 'only book' within the specified period.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Uniqueness claim for the period 1950–1980 (focus on poverty in India).
  • Conclusion I: No poverty before 1950 (a historical claim beyond the statement).
  • Conclusion II: No other book covers poverty in India for 1950–1980.


Concept / Approach:

  • 'Only book' for a time window implies exclusivity relative to other books for that same window.
  • It says nothing about times outside the window (before 1950), so we cannot infer I.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Reject I: The sentence does not discuss pre-1950 poverty conditions.Accept II: 'Only book' for 1950–1980 implies no other book focuses on that subject for that period.


Verification / Alternative check:

Even if numerous books exist for other years, the uniqueness within 1950–1980 is preserved, satisfying II.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

'Only I' and 'Both' contradict the scope; 'Neither' ignores the explicit exclusivity claim; 'Either' is invalid since only II follows.


Common Pitfalls:

Projecting the statement beyond its specified time frame.


Final Answer:

Only conclusion II follows

More Questions from Statement and Conclusion

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