Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT 2026 | QB Set 7

“It was a calm area rich with a clean river, verdant paddy fields, and lush greenery until the 80s. Our lives were peaceful and clean. Then the companies started setting up their units,” says V.S. Sasi, a retired head load worker, trying hard to control a recurrent cough. Though the petroleum and the organic chemical companies that had come up in the Ambalamedu area had worked as catalysts for the industrialization of the area three decades ago, it had also inadvertently wrecked the lives of scores of families that had lived there for generations.

“Our houses have been encircled by the compound walls of the industrial units that came up here. The once-village area was quickly converted into an industrial belt, and we got trapped there. Pollution made many residents sick. We had to abandon our houses and resettle our lives away from the doomed land,” says Sasi while putting on a face mask. “The two small houses that I had constructed using my meager earnings as a headload worker had to be abandoned as it became hazardous to stay here. No one was willing either to buy those houses or even take them on rent,” says Sasi, as a tipper truck laden with bitumen mix for road construction makes its way down the road adjacent to his house. The speeding vehicle leaves behind the stench of molten bitumen, a sign of ‘development’.

V.N. Mohanan, a carpenter, was also forced to leave his ancestral house and resettle in an area nearly 10 kilometers away with his sick parents, children, and wife. “My father developed a respiratory illness while staying here and had to be hospitalized quite often. I decided to move out of the area considering the health of the family members. I had to abandon the house and resettle at a place far away from the area. Migrant workers engaged in the carpentry unit are currently staying in the house,” says Mohanan.

Pankajakshan, also a leader of the action council of the residents, says the air is thick with chemicals and there is no relief even from the sea breeze. “The continuous exposure to pollutants has made many people sick.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/article67800372.ece

1. What can be inferred about the role of industrial companies in Ambalamedu in addressing pollution concerns?
(a) The companies actively worked to reduce pollution and its impact.
(b) The companies ignored the pollution concerns raised by residents.
(c) Residents did not communicate their pollution concerns to the companies.
(d) The companies relocated to avoid the negative consequences of pollution.

2. What statement would strengthen the argument that the industrialization in Ambalamedu led to a decline in the overall quality of life for its residents?
(a) The local schools in Ambalamedu reported an increase in student enrollment after industrialization.
(b) Residents who moved out of Ambalamedu reported a significant improvement in their overall well-being.
(c) The crime rate in Ambalamedu remained constant before and after industrialization.
(d) Surveys conducted among Ambalamedu residents revealed a decrease in satisfaction with living conditions.

3. What statement would weaken the argument that industrialization directly caused health issues for Ambalamedu residents?
(a) Some residents developed health issues before the industrialization.
(b) The companies in Ambalamedu implemented advanced pollution control technologies.
(c) The majority of residents experienced financial prosperity due to industrialization.
(d) Residents who relocated reported improved health conditions.

4. What is the most appropriate course of action for addressing the residents’ concerns in Ambalamedu?
(a) Encourage residents to return to their original homes.
(b) Implement strict environmental regulations on industrial activities.
(c) Provide financial compensation to affected residents.
(d) Establish a committee to study the long-term impact of industrialization.

5. The decision to establish industrial units in Ambalamedu was made without considering the long-term impact on residents.
(a) The companies conducted thorough environmental impact assessments before setting up units.
(b) The government had strict regulations in place to monitor industrial activities.
(c) The residents of Ambalamedu were consulted and gave their consent to the establishment of industrial units.

(d) The companies believed that the industrialization would lead to overall improvement in the quality of life for residents.

6. What can be inferred about the health conditions of Ambalamedu residents who chose to stay despite the pollution?
(a) Their health remained unaffected by the pollution.
(b) They were unaware of the adverse health effects of pollution.
(c) They took measures to mitigate the impact of pollution on their health.
(d) They experienced severe health issues due to pollution.

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS:

1. Answer: B
Explanation: The information does not provide details about the companies’ actions in addressing pollution concerns, making it difficult to infer their role.

2. Answer: D
Explanation: Surveys conducted among Ambalamedu residents revealing a decrease in satisfaction with living conditions would strengthen the argument that industrialization led to a decline in the overall quality of life for its residents.

3. Answer: B
Explanation: The statement that the companies implemented advanced pollution control technologies would weaken the argument by suggesting efforts to minimize the adverse effects of industrialization on residents’ health.

4. Answer: B
Explanation: Implementing strict environmental regulations on industrial activities is the most appropriate course of action to address residents’ concerns and prevent further harm to their health and well-being.

5. Answer: C
Explanation: The assumption that the decision to establish industrial units was made without considering the long-term impact on residents is supported by the idea that residents were not consulted and gave their consent, making option C the correct choice.

6. Answer: C
Explanation: The information provided does not specify the health conditions of residents who chose to stay; hence, it cannot be directly inferred.