The correct answer is (A).
Here's the simple breakdown:
Think of the author as trying to "sell" you on Internet marketing.
* First Boldface: The author makes a key point: internet marketing is cheaper. But notice how they add "in general"? That's a small but crucial hedge. It means this isn't a 100% solid rule, but it's a general trend.
* Second Boldface: Then, the author adds another perk. They literally say, "An advantage is..." and then describe this cool feature (the second boldface) where you can watch your ad campaign and "manipulate" it (tweak it) as it's happening.
So, to sum up:
* BF1: A general statement about a positive thing (low cost).
* BF2: A different positive thing, which is an ability or feature.
Why (A) is the right choice:
(A) The first is a generalization made about the cost of Internet advertising; the second is a beneficial capability offered by this form of marketing.
* "generalization made about the cost": This is perfect. BF1 is about the "smaller funds" (cost), and the "in general" makes it a "generalization."
* "beneficial capability": This is also perfect. The passage calls BF2 "An advantage" (so it's "beneficial"), and it describes an "ability" to observe and manipulate (which is a "capability").
This one just fits like a glove.
Why the other choices are wrong (and what the traps are):
* (B) ...an assumption...: This is a classic trap. BF1 isn't an assumption; the author says it's based on "Statistics." That makes it a finding or a fact, not just something they're guessing.
* (C) ...a rule that can be applied to any company...: This is too strong. That "in general" in BF1 specifically tells us it's not a hard "rule" that applies to "any company." (A)'s "generalization" is much more accurate.
* (D) ...a fact that weighs against the same method.: The second part is just plain wrong. The passage explicitly says BF2 is "An advantage," so it supports the method, it doesn't "weigh against" it.
* (E) ...an inconvenience...: Same problem as (D). The second part is wrong. The ability to tweak your ad campaign is a good thing (an advantage), not an "inconvenience."
Bunuel
A wide variety of methods for marketing products and brands exists. Statistics show that where traditional media fail to do so, Internet marketing campaigns can produce staggering results and
require the allocation of much smaller funds, in general. An advantage of such a campaign is the advertiser's ability to observe its progression and
to frequently manipulate certain parameters until an optimal configuration is attained. Although previously expected, a decrease in the prices of television and print advertising has not materialized as of yet.
In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first is a generalization made about the cost of Internet advertising; the second is a beneficial capability offered by this form of marketing.
(B) The first is an assumption which is likely to be true; the second is an advantage of the employment of internet marketing.
(C) The first is a rule that can be applied to any company wishing to advertise online; the second is an ability enjoyed by such a company.
(D) The first is a fact supporting a method of marketing; the second is a fact that weighs against the same method.
(E) The first is a positive statement about most online advertising campaigns; the second is an inconvenience created by such campaigns.