Statements & Conclusions • Topic 3 of 4

Statement & Arguments

An argument is strong if it is directly relevant and addresses a significant aspect; weak if trivial, irrelevant, an over-generalisation, or based on a questionable assumption. Judge relevance and weight, not whether you agree.

Strong vs weak

Strong argument	Weak argument
Directly relevant to the question	Irrelevant or off-topic
Addresses a significant aspect	Trivial or personal
Based on facts/logic	Based on tradition or mere opinion

"Should plastic bags be banned?" — "Yes, they cause serious pollution" is strong (relevant + significant); "No, my shopkeeper likes them" is weak (trivial, personal).

Judge weight, not agreement. An argument you personally disagree with can still be strong if it is relevant and important. Assess the reasoning, not your opinion.

✅ Solved examples

1. Should plastic bags be banned? Argument: Yes, they cause serious pollution.

Directly relevant and significant. Strong.

2. Should plastic bags be banned? Argument: No, my shopkeeper likes them.

Trivial and personal. Weak.

3. Should exams be abolished? Argument: Yes, because students dislike them.

Disliking is not a sound basis. Weak.

4. Should cycling be promoted in cities? Argument: Yes, it reduces traffic and pollution.

Relevant and weighty. Strong.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Should smoking be banned in public? Argument: Yes, it harms non-smokers.

Relevant & serious.

—

Strong

2. Should homework be stopped? Argument: No, because it has always existed.

Tradition isn’t a reason.

—

Weak

3. Should public transport be free? Argument: Yes, it helps low-income commuters.

Relevant benefit.

—

Strong

4. Should TV be banned? Argument: No, because some shows are bad.

Doesn’t justify a full ban.

—

Weak

5. Should helmets be compulsory? Argument: Yes, they cut head injuries.

Core safety point.

—

Strong

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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← Statement & Assumptions Course of Action →

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