A product that represents a clear technological advance over competing

Hi ballest127 & Akshi123 - Happy to chime in and help!

For boldface reasoning questions, we'll want to start by thinking about the boldface portions in terms of three considerations:

1. Whether the bold portions are presented as fact (evidence/premise) or opinion (conclusion)
2. Whether the bold portions align with or contrast one another (are they making the same point, or different points?)
3. Whether the bold portions align with or contrast the author's argument (Here - it's important to identify the argument structure and conclusion, regardless of whether it falls under one of the bold faced portions - keep in mind, the non-boldened portions are equally important to understanding the argument as a whole!)

In this case, the distinction between (C) and (E) rests on the latter two points. In this argument, the first boldface portion presents the situation for why the author posits that "the strategy to maximize overall profit from a new product is to charge less than the greatest possible price" - the author and argument's overall conclusion. The second, is that strategy/conclusion. So, both points align with one-another, and align with the author. Thus, (C) makes a lot of sense!

We'll want to keep in mind that we're looking for why the author has chosen to include the information first and foremost. So, function of the detail should be what we look for in the boldface portions. In this case, "Because technological advances tend to be quickly surpassed and companies want to make large profits while they still can, many companies charge the maximum possible price for such a product" has been included to explain why "the strategy to maximize overall profit from a new product is to charge less than the greatest possible price."

In answer choice (E) - the statements align with one-another, but run counter to the author's conclusion. In this case, the final boldface portion is the author's conclusion! So, the first certainly cannot be a "consideration that has been used to justify pursuing a goal that the argument rejects," nor the second "a course of action that has been adopted in pursuit of that goal." The goal mentioned in the argument (maximizing overall profit) is not rejected by the author's argument/conclusion. Instead, the author presents a strategy for how to do so in the second boldface portion, and uses the first to present why this strategy is appealing/sensible.

This is actually a very common trap set up in CR boldface arguments - since the argument introduces a point countered by the author. Because of this, test-takers will gravitate toward answer choices with conflicting or contrasting language. But keep in mind, the boldface portions are making the same point, and it's the point the author is making - so (C) fits perfectly!

(This question poses a similar structure - in case you'd like to reinforce the point with another example!)

So, as much as possible, if you can try to whittle away the content and focus on the structure/function of the argument, you'll be able to differentiate between correct and convincing wrong answers, and move through questions like this one more efficiently and effectively!

I hope this clarifies!