Arguments evaluation (cottage industries in rural areas): Should cottage industries be encouraged in rural regions? Consider—(I) Yes: rural people are creative, (II) Yes: this would help reduce unemployment to some extent—decide which argument(s) are strong and policy-relevant.
Verbal Reasoning
Statement and Argument
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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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: Only argument II is strong
Explanation
Given data
- Policy: Encouraging cottage industries in rural areas.
- I: Backs it because rural people are creative.
- II: Backs it because it can reduce unemployment to some extent.
Concept / ApproachA strong argument should connect the policy to a concrete socio-economic outcome. Creativity (I) is vague and unmeasured; employment impact (II) is a direct, relevant rationale.
Step-by-step evaluationStep 1: I makes a sweeping assertion about creativity without linking to livelihoods or feasibility—weak.Step 2: II points to employment generation, a central objective of rural industry promotion—strong.
Verification / AlternativeCottage industries often absorb local labour and add value to primary produce; this aligns with II.
Common pitfalls
- Accepting flattering generalisations as sufficient policy justification.
Final AnswerOnly argument II is strong.