Critical Reasoning: Dialog Format

Company CEO: Launching an Internet site is an expensive process. Instead, we need to focus on our stores in malls in order to increase our profits.

Sales manager: The investment needed to build an Internet site can pay itself off fairly quickly. We should create an online store because Internet sales can generate huge income since they are open to the international market.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the sales manager's objection to the CEO's claim?

Incorrect.

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This answer choice weakens the sales manager's objection. In the business world, time is money. This statement claims that creating a site can take long periods of time and, therefore, supports the CEO's claim that it is better to focus on existing local shops.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice weakens the sales manager's claim by bringing forward a possible negative outcome of launching an Internet site. Look for a statement that can support the sales manager's claim or weaken that of the CEO.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice weakens the sales manager's claim by presenting a problematic factor of international Internet sales. Look for a statement that can support the sales manager's claim or weaken that of the CEO.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice strengthens the CEO's claim and, therefore,indirectly weakens the sales manager's objection. If malls are selling even better than before Internet shopping came around, then the CEO's point is validated - why not keep putting the focus on selling in malls?

Very good!

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This answer choice directly strengthens the sales manager's claim. If Internet sales are higher than any other sales method (including selling through stores in malls), then launching an online store is indeed a logical claim.

Since many complex decisions are involved, designing a profitable website can take long periods of time.
Profits from international sales through online stores are higher by 13% than the profits created by any other sales method.
Unsuccessful websites can create negative images of the companies they belong to.
Many consumers are not comfortable with buying products from retailers in foreign locations.
The sales in malls have not been affected by the introduction of Internet shopping, and are performing even better than before.

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