UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A, B, C and E are correct descriptions of ambiguity/equivocation and their exam relevance. D is wrong because metaphorical language does not automatically involve a fallacious shift of meaning within an argument’s key term. Therefore D alone is wrong.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it isolates D as the only incorrect statement.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it wrongly adds A as wrong; A is the definition of equivocation.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it wrongly adds C as wrong; clarifying ambiguity is indeed important.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it wrongly adds B as wrong; B correctly describes ambiguity.

Statements A, B, C and E correctly characterise equivocation and its exam relevance, while D is false. When a key term changes meaning mid-argument, the reasoning may look sound but is actually invalid. Careful attention to how words are used can reveal this shift, and many UGC NET passages exploit such ambiguity. An argument that equivocates is not automatically valid; indeed, the fallacy consists in the hidden invalidity it creates. Thus A, B, C, E only is the correct set.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E, failing to mention the specific way this fallacy appears in exam questions. A, B, C only therefore does not fully address the stem.

Option B:
Option B is wrong as it leaves out C, losing the important advice that clarifying meanings is a key detection method. A, B, E only underplays how to diagnose the error.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it keeps the definition, effect, diagnostic method and exam context while excluding D, which implies that equivocal arguments are nonetheless valid. This option matches standard critical reasoning treatments.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes D, mistakenly suggesting that equivocation is compatible with deductive validity. B, C, D, E only therefore blends true observations with a serious error.