A company specializing in the sales of industrial flooring has been hi

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Overview:
Question 2 presents a scenario in which someone (Mike) is attempting to predict future events on the basis of his past experience. Three important factors must be considered: (1) the company for which Mike works is suffering due to the economic downturn, (2) the detail that Mike has had a strong sales record in the past but has struggled to maintain it in recent months because of the weak economy, and (3) the fact that Mike’s boss has asked to see him. Mike concludes that his boss will not fire him because of his time with the company, his excellent record, and his potential to succeed in spite of the crisis. The student is asked to consider how Mike’s reasoning is flawed.

The Correct Answer:
C Answer choice (C) is the only selection that takes all of the elements into account and summarizes the substance of the problem with Mike’s argument: he believes his success in the past will translate automatically to future success, despite his failure over the last few months to keep his sales high. He also believes that the company will look only at his past success and will not consider current factors, including his recent struggles and the economic situation as a whole. Thus answer choice (C) is correct.

The Incorrect Answers:
A, E Although answer choices (A) and (E) do address separate parts of the problem with Mike’s reasoning, neither addresses all of it. Mike’s belief in his loyalty to the company (“I’ve been working with the company for well over a decade”) and in the company’s confidence in his ability to overcome the tough economy (“If anyone can find a way to boost sales and benefit the company, I’m the person”) both contribute to the flaw in his argument, but neither encompasses it fully. Both answer choices (A) and (E), therefore, are incorrect.

B Answer choice (B) provides an interesting piece of information, but in terms of Mike’s argument it is largely irrelevant and does not address the flaw in Mike’s reasoning in any way. It contributes a piece of information that might support the theory that the company will indeed fire Mike, but it fails to explain how Mike’s own argument is problematic.

D Answer (D), again, is interesting but irrelevant to Mike’s argument and does not address the flaw in his reasoning. That Mike is a close friend of his boss might make it more difficult for his boss to fire him, but since Mike does not mention this in his statement in any way, it cannot be assumed that this contributes to his reasoning. Answer choice (D) is incorrect.