Keats wrote:
Theorist: While most people think that the best way to attain a position of great power and influence is to articulate a compelling position with clarity and force, in most cultures such an approach is inherently self-limiting, as enough potential supporters are either too tentative or too particular to support a clear, emphatic agenda. Instead, the most reliable method by which to attain positions of great power and influence is to offer vague and reassuring platitudes onto which one’s potential supporters can project their own desires and interpretations.
If the theorist’s statements above are true, which of the following people is most likely to attain a position of great power and influence?
A A middle manager who impresses his superiors with an aggressive, detailed plan by which to expand the company’s market share.
B An aspiring politician who capitalizes on a nation’s discontent with a previous regime by campaigning on a platform of “hope and renewal.”
C A football coach who begins an effort to be appointed general manager by working to oust any potential rivals in the organization.
D A mayor who celebrates reelection to his final term by promising his supporters that he will make the city “green, clean, and any family’s dream.”
E A police lieutenant who moves to be promoted to police chief by exposing the corruption rampant under the administration of the current chief.
Dear
Keats,
I'm happy to respond.
Your screen name evokes a most celebrated
eponym.
I think this question is reasonably clear, but I don't think it's very GMAT-like. I haven't seen any official question in this sort of mold.
The argument recommends against specific positions, and advocates for attaining power & influence with vague positive banalities.
(A) A middle manager who impresses his superiors with an aggressive, detailed plan by which to expand the company’s market share.This guy has a detailed plan, the exact opposite of what the argument suggests. This is incorrect.
(B) An aspiring politician who capitalizes on a nation’s discontent with a previous regime by campaigning on a platform of “hope and renewal.”This guy wants power, and delivers a positive yet vague plan. This is promising choice.
(C) A football coach who begins an effort to be appointed general manager by working to oust any potential rivals in the organization.This is a very different route to power, forcing out rivals. This was not discussed. This is incorrect.
(D) A mayor who celebrates reelection to his final term by promising his supporters that he will make the city “green, clean, and any family’s dream.”This person already has the power and is not looking for power. This doesn't fit. This is incorrect.
(E) A police lieutenant who moves to be promoted to police chief by exposing the corruption rampant under the administration of the current chief.Like (C), another route to power, making someone else look bad so you look good. This is not discussed. This is incorrect.
The only possible answer is (B). It's clear. I just have not seen any official question like this, and it doesn't feel quite as tight or as logically crisp as a GMAT question.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Mike