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Reading comprehension from manhattan CAT exam
raja_asu
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Analyst: The pace of technological development brings a constant stream of new devices to the market, and many of them enjoy commercial success. But announcing new technology too soon after the introduction of a successful device can backfire. Once consumers hear about the new device, they may stop buying the one currently on sale. So, if a company wishes to announce the upcoming sale of a new device, it should wait until purchases of the old device have begun to decline.

Which of the following, if true, would best support the analyst's main assertion?

A. New technology often becomes less expensive after an initial surge in sales.
B. Media outlets, such as television programs and magazines, often report on the planned introduction of new devices while the sales of old devices are still strong.
C. Many consumers are unable to determine whether new technology is superior to current technology.
D. Surveys have shown that some consumers make only one or two technology purchases per year, whereas others make more frequent purchases.
E. Consumers tend to be loyal to technology companies whose products they enjoy using.

I chose D, but the right answer is B. I don't get the explanation given. Can you explain it more clearly?
Ron Purewal
MGMAT STAFF

Joined: 08 Oct 2007
Posts: 1949

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first, i feel compelled to point out that this is not a reading comprehension question; it's a critical reasoning question. [reading comprehension questions are the ones with the big, long, boring passages]

at the outset, you have to figure out what 'the main assertion' actually is. in this passage, that's the following:
if a company wishes to announce the upcoming sale of a new device, it should wait until purchases of the old device have begun to decline.
also note the premise in the main text about consumers hearing about the new device. that's important: not that many consumers read corporate memos, but many, many customers are glued to the media.

since choice b makes it much more likely that consumers will hear about the introduction of the new devices, it strengthens the argument.
choice d is totally irrelevant, because nothing in the argument has anything to do with, much less depends upon, a statement about the frequency of purchases.

hope that helps.
Reading comprehension from manhattan CAT exam
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