Statement and Argument is a fundamental topic in reasoning that frequently appears in SSC, Banking, and RRB exams. In this blog, we have provided all the details about what Statement and Argument reasoning is, its importance, types of questions, key concepts, formulas, tricks, solved examples, and more.
What Is Statement and Argument in Reasoning?
Statement and Argument questions give you a statement and two arguments. You are required to judge which argument is strong, weak, or both.
- Purpose in exams: Tests your logical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Skills required: Logic, analytical thinking, evaluation of arguments, and ability to differentiate assumptions from conclusions.
Also Check: Analytical Reasoning
Why Is Statement and Argument Important in Competitive Exams?
Statement and Argument questions are important as they assess logical reasoning and judgment skills, which are essential for professional decision-making. Below is an overview of how frequently it appears and difficulty level:
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO (Mains) | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Statement and Argument Reasoning Short Notes
Statement and Argument questions often follow logical patterns and standard formats. Here is a mini-glossary for quick revision:
| Concept | Details |
| Statement | A sentence presenting a situation or fact |
| Argument | Reasoning for or against the statement |
| Strong Argument | Logically valid and relevant to the statement |
| Weak Argument | Irrelevant or invalid reasoning |
| Assumption | Implicit idea needed to accept the statement |
| Notation | Symbols for arguments (e.g., A, B) |
Also Check: Logical Reasoning
Quick Revision Summary on Statement and Argument
Some of the important concepts of reasoning for the topic statement and argument are as follows:
| Concept | Explanation |
| Strong Argument | Directly supports the statement |
| Weak Argument | Contradicts or is irrelevant to the statement |
| Evaluate Logic | Check relevance and truthfulness |
| Discard Extremes | Avoid arguments based on extreme views |
| Focus on Facts | Only consider verifiable facts |
| Eliminate Bias | Do not let personal opinion affect choice |
Types of Statement and Argument Questions
In competitive exams, Statement and Argument questions are asked to test your ability to evaluate reasoning logically. These questions are generally classified into Weak Arguments and Strong Arguments, each having separate characteristics:
1. Weak Arguments
Weak arguments fail to effectively support the statement. They are often irrelevant, unclear, or illogical. Common types include:
- Ambiguous Arguments: Arguments that are vague or unclear, making it difficult to determine their connection to the statement.
- Irrelevant Arguments (Superfluous): Arguments that do not contribute meaningfully to the discussion or lack depth.
- Question-back Arguments: Arguments that respond with a question instead of providing a logical support to the statement.
2. Strong Arguments
Strong arguments provide solid support to the statement and are logical, factual, or widely accepted. Key types include:
- Fact-based Arguments: Arguments grounded in verified facts or established truths.
- Experience-based Arguments: Arguments supported by past experiences or observed outcomes.
- Universally Accepted Arguments: Arguments that are considered generally true or widely acknowledged as valid.
Statement and Argument Formulas for Reasoning
Use these mental templates for faster solving:
- Argument Strength Check: If it directly supports statement – Strong, else Weak.
- Fact vs Opinion: Facts can be proven, opinions cannot.
- Elimination Method: Remove clearly irrelevant or extreme arguments first.
- Logical Flow: Check whether argument logically follows cause – effect.
Statement and Argument Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
- Read the statement carefully before looking at arguments.
- Start evaluation from the first argument.
- Ignore personal opinion; focus on logic.
- Use elimination method to remove weak options.
- Identify keywords in statement that hint at strong argument.
Solved Statement and Argument Questions from 2024–25 Exams
SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Shift 2 – Memory-Based
Q: “Should online education replace classroom learning?”
Arguments:
(a) Yes, it is flexible and cost-effective.
(b) No, personal interaction is essential.
Answer: Both arguments are strong.
Explanation: Argument (a) highlights a practical benefit, argument (b) emphasizes an essential factor.
IBPS PO 2024
Q: “Should junk food be banned in schools?”
Arguments:
(a) Yes, it affects student health.
(b) No, personal choice must be respected.
Answer: Argument (a) is strong; (b) is weak.
Explanation: Student health is a direct concern; personal choice is secondary.
Statement and Argument Concepts for Bank Exams
IBPS and SBI exams often include symbol-based or coded variations. For example:
- Statement: “Should banking fees be standardized?”
- Arguments in symbols: A = Yes, B = No.
- Decode and evaluate logical relevance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Statement and Argument
- Confusing personal opinion with logical argument – Avoid by sticking to facts.
- Ignoring statement keywords – Read carefully.
- Considering extreme arguments as strong – Eliminate extremes.
- Rushing through without evaluation – Take 10–15 sec per argument.
- Missing hidden assumptions – Check if argument depends on implicit ideas.
Related Reasoning Topics to Explore
FAQs
Break down the statement and arguments, check for clarity and relevance, and discard any argument that is vague, opinion-based, or indirect.
Focus on evaluating relevance and direct support to the statement and eliminate irrelevant options.
Yes, 1–2 questions are generally included in reasoning sections.
Ambiguous arguments are unclear or vague, while superfluous arguments are irrelevant or unnecessary without logical contribution.
These words often indicate weak arguments. Carefully check if the argument is universally acceptable or just an opinion.
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