Statements & Conclusions • Topic 4 of 4

Course of Action

A course of action is a practical step to solve a stated problem. It is valid if it directly addresses the problem and is feasible. Reject actions that are extreme, impractical, or that ignore the actual problem.

Valid only if it solves the problem AND is practical

A course of action must clear two bars: it must address the stated problem, and it must be feasible (not extreme or impossible). If it fails either, it is not a valid course of action.

Problem	Valid action	Invalid action
Frequent road accidents	install speed breakers & signs	ban all vehicles
Students failing a subject	hold extra classes	expel the students

Reject the extreme. "Close the whole city", "ban everything", "punish everyone" are almost always invalid — they are impractical or disproportionate, even if they technically touch the problem.

✅ Solved examples

1. Problem: A road has frequent accidents. Action: Install speed breakers and signs?

Directly tackles the cause. Valid.

2. Problem: Students fail a subject. Action: Hold extra classes?

Addresses the gap practically. Valid.

3. Problem: A city faces water shortage. Action: Ban all industries permanently?

Extreme and impractical. Not valid.

4. Problem: A shop loses customers. Action: Improve service and prices?

Targets likely causes. Valid.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Problem: Frequent power cuts. Action: Upgrade the local grid?

Addresses cause.

—

Valid

2. Problem: A river is polluted. Action: Close the whole city?

Extreme.

—

Not valid

3. Problem: Exam cheating rises. Action: Increase invigilation?

Practical.

—

Valid

4. Problem: A bus is always late. Action: Review and fix the schedule?

Targets the issue.

—

Valid

5. Problem: Litter in a park. Action: Add bins and fines?

Direct and feasible.

—

Valid

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

Auto-graded with full solutions; saved to your dashboard. Use the calculator and formula sheet (top-right) any time.

Loading questions…

← Statement & Arguments Take the chapter test →

Formula Reference Sheet

This chapter

The test for each type

Conclusion	must necessarily follow from the statement alone
Assumption	something unstated but TAKEN FOR GRANTED
Argument	strong if directly relevant + significant; weak if trivial/irrelevant
Course of action	valid if it actually addresses the problem and is practical
Rule	use only the statement + common knowledge — no personal views

SSC reference