Based on your analysis, let's break down the options:
- Option 1 adds depth to the prediction that start-ups, under the pressure of revenue, will likely expand their product offerings. Since this aligns with the author's prediction, Option 1 is unlikely to weaken the argument.
- Option 2 suggests that start-ups are not exempt from the general trend and may face challenges or need to change. While this doesn't directly contradict the author's prediction, it introduces an element of skepticism about the success of start-ups, which may slightly weaken the argument.
- Option 3, as you mentioned, brings out a point that contradicts the idea that start-ups will necessarily offer more product varieties. This option introduces a counterpoint to the author's prediction, making it a potential weakening factor.
- Option 4 predicts the failure of start-ups, supporting the author's argument about their fate. This aligns with the author's viewpoint and, therefore, does not weaken the argument.
Considering your analysis, Option 3 appears to be the choice that introduces a point contradictory to the author's prediction, potentially weakening the argument.
Correctly identifying the answer involves synthesizing information from various parts of the paragraphs. The provided excerpts highlight the evolution of certain companies:
- "Casper (mattresses), Glossier (makeup), Away (suitcases), and many others have sprouted up to offer consumers freedom from choice."
- "For start-ups that promise accessible simplicity, their very structure still might eventually push them toward overwhelming variety."
- "Casper has expanded into bedroom furniture and bed linens. Glossier, after years of marketing itself as no-makeup makeup that requires little skill to apply, recently launched a full line of glittering color cosmetics."
Considering these statements collectively, both companies, Casper and Glossier, began by offering simplicity and limited choices but eventually expanded their product lines to include a more extensive and varied range. Thus, Option 2 accurately captures this evolution, making it the correct choice.
The author expresses a favorable stance toward two main points: limiting the range of choices and endorsing mid-range pricing.
Evaluating the options, both Option 2 and Option 3 advocate for reduced variety, but only Option 2 aligns with the additional criterion of mid-range pricing. The passage supports this combination, as indicated by the statement,
"The companies have a few aesthetically pleasing and supposedly highly functional options, usually at mid-range prices." Therefore, Option 2 is the accurate choice as it concurs with the author's preferences for limited variety and mid-range pricing.
In analyzing the options, it's clear that the author supports the idea of offering limited choices to customers for a positive outcome. Let's go through the options based on your explanation:
- Option 2 supports the author's stance, suggesting that offering fewer products can lead to positive results. Therefore, it does not weaken the argument; instead, it aligns with the author's perspective.
- Option 4 weakens the argument by indicating that the Instagram strategy, which involves presenting more choices, has failed and resulted in a decrease in sales. This counters the author's view, making it an option that weakens the argument.
- Option 1 and Option 3 both speak in favor of providing greater product options to customers. Since the author supports limited choices, these options would weaken the argument by going against the author's viewpoint.
Therefore, based on your explanation, Option 2 is the correct choice as it supports the author's perspective on offering limited choices.
Inference questions indeed require drawing conclusions from the information provided. In this case, the passage emphasizes that companies like Casper, Glossier, and Away offer consumers a limited range of aesthetically pleasing and functional options at mid-range prices, promoting a sense of confidence and the ability to opt out of overwhelming choices.
Analyzing the options:
- Options 1 and 3 can be inferred from the passage as the information supports the idea that customers prefer fewer choices and that this builds trust and confidence.
- Option 2, however, is the correct answer because there is no explicit evidence in the passage to support the notion that customers are susceptible or influenced by marketing images on social media, specifically Instagram. This idea goes beyond the information provided in the passage.
Therefore, Option 2 is the accurate choice for an inference question, as it cannot be directly inferred from the given passage.
Read the sentence and infer the writer's tone: "The politician's speech was filled with lofty promises and little substance, a performance repeated every election season."