In years past, magazines usually competed for advertising dollars by c

Question

In years past, magazines usually competed for advertising dollars by cutting advertising rates. While the amount of advertising money available to all publishers has remained roughly constant, the number of publications has mushroomed during the past decade. As a result, rate wars long ago caused most publications to cut ad rates to their lowest possible levels. In order to attract sponsors, some publications now resort to incentives known as “value-added” advertising: publishers offer advertisers who purchase large amounts of advertising space for the year such perquisites as shared space on bus and billboard advertisements and co-sponsorship of contests.

Now, publishers also frequently offer advertisers anywhere from four to thirty-two consecutive pages in their magazines in which the advertisers may, in effect, present their own magazines. Such sections, commonly known as“advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. The trend in recent years hasbeen for advertorials to mimic closely the format of the host magazine.

None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened. Their cumulative effect, however, is to cast serious doubt on the integrity of editorial decisions. Publishing choices that may have once gone unchallenged are now closely scrutinized. Why have prestigious newspapers and newsweeklies recently added sections on fashion, hobbies, travel, and other “advertiser-friendly” subjects? Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion. Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? The answers to these questions are not always quickly forthcoming or unequivocal, in itself an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege.

Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues. As many industry watchers have noted, the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.   1 
 1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. The average annual increase in the number of periodicals in the United States is higher than at any previous time in history.
B. The pressure exerted by advertisers on magazine editors is far greater than that exerted on editors of television news programs.
C. Newspapers that have added advertiser-friendly sections have experienced a boost in circulation figures.
D. Tobacco companies are significant advertisers in many women's magazines. 
E. Magazine advertorial inserts contain no useful information for subscribers.

2 
 2. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that the addition of sections on fashion, hobbies and travel to periodicals is problematic because

A. such sections end up being written and edited not by magazine editorial boards, but by advertising agencies.
B. it creates the impression that magazines are choosing editorial content based on its appeal to advertisers. 
C. these subjects are too frivolous to be appropriate for a newsweekly magazine.
D. these sections invariably supplant hard news stories, such as those covering the increased incidence of lung cancer among women.
E. the increased prominence of these sections has done irreparable damage to the public's trust in the integrity of periodical editors.

3 
 3. The author implies that in the past, advertorials

A. covered only subjects that had a direct bearing on the product the advertiser was marketing
B. contained, on average, less editorial content than they do now
C. held limited appeal for advertisers, who were unsure how readers would react to the format
D. were generally more readily distinguishable from the host magazine than they currently are 
E. were mandated by federal law to prominently display the word "advertisement" on each page

4 
 4. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that

A. the danger of further concessions to advertisers by the editorial boards of news periodicals is past
B. the fundamental division between editorial concerns and marketing decisions no longer exists
C. magazines must remain independent of pressure from advertisers in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety 
D. the public no longer cares whether news periodicals remain autonomous in their news gathering and reporting
E. value-added advertising incentives inevitably result in compromises of the integrity of news periodicals

bM22 · Answer

Hi  shubhs76 ,

I have modified this post. For future posts, kindly follow the Forum Guidelines for posting:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/rc-forum-rules-must-read-155874.html

Also, if you have more questions for this RC, let me know, ill update the post.

Thanks.

shubhs76 · Answer

Hi  bm2201 , I've added the addtional questions. Thank you for posting the guidelines. I couldnt understand how to add it in RC style earlier.

Hope the new question are in the correct format.

Thanks

MBAB123 · Answer

Hey  shubhs76 
Could you please post the official explanation for Q1? I can relate why the OA is D but not I'm not entirely convinced. It seems like the inference is based on the fact lung cancer stories have not been published lately. To me, it seems too extreme to assume that the tobacco companies own a significant share and are hence prohibiting the publication of such stories. Tobacco is not the only cause for lung cancer. Perhaps, there are not many stories these days? Who knows?

I hesitantly picked E. E is definitely extreme as it says "No" useful is being offered.

shubhs76 · Answer

* Original Explanation for question 1 *

The phrase can be inferred indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is the entire passage. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion. Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? The answers to these questions are not always quickly forthcoming or unequivocal, in itself an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege.

Choice A: No. The reference to increase in the number of periodicals may seem appealing because the passage mentions the number of publications has mushroomed during the past decade. However, this choice uses the comparison language higher than at any previous time. The passage states In years past, magazines usually competed for advertising dollars by cutting advertising rates and As a result, rate wars long ago caused most publications to cut ad rates to their lowest possible levels. Yet, the statement that the number of publications has mushroomed during the past decade is not compared as higher than at any previous time.

Choice B: No. The reference to pressure exerted by advertisers on magazine editors may seem tempting because the passage mentions pandering to advertisers. However, this choice uses the comparison language greater than. The passage states Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium but makes no such comparison to television news programs.

Choice C: No. The phrase Newspapers that have added advertiser-friendly sections makes this answer choice appealing. However, this is actually a reversal of the information in the passage, which states Why have prestigious newspapers and newsweeklies recently added sections on fashion, hobbies, travel, and other “advertiser-friendly” subjects? Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice D: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? The answers to these questions are not always quickly forthcoming or unequivocal, in itself an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege…Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues.

Choice E: No. The reference to Magazine advertorial inserts may seem tempting because the passage states advertisers may, in effect, present their own magazines. Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. However, this choice uses the extreme language no useful information. The passage states “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication. Thus, it stands to reason that at least some useful information is presented to readers.

The correct answer is choice D.

* Original Explanation for question 2 *

The phrase It can be inferred indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is the addition of sections on fashion, hobbies and travel to periodicals. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Why have prestigious newspapers and newsweeklies recently added sections on fashion, hobbies, travel, and other “advertiser-friendly” subjects? Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion. Thus, it is safe to conclude that the addition of sections on fashion, hobbies, and travel to periodicals may damage the reputation of publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice A: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that in Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,”... the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors.

Choice B: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice C: No. The reference to too frivolous to be appropriate may seem appealing because the passage states the inclusion of fashion, hobbies, and travel sections cast serious doubt on the integrity of editorial decisions. Publishing choices that may have once gone unchallenged are now closely scrutinized. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage uses the integrity of editorial decisions in reference to pandering to advertisers.

Choice D: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? However, this choice uses the extreme language invariably supplants. While it may seem plausible to conclude that these sections could supplant hard news stories the passage does not state such an occurrence must invariably happen.

Choice E: No. The reference to the public’s trust and integrity may seem appealing because the passage discusses the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals. However, this answer choice is a memory trap. The passage states that Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues and that Should the public lose its faith, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium, but the passage does not state that the increased prominence of these sections has done irreparable damage.

The correct answer is choice B.

* Original Explanation for question 3 *

The phrase The author implies indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word implies. The subject of the question is advertorials. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, publishers also frequently offer advertisers anywhere from four to thirty-two consecutive pages in their magazines in which the advertisers may, in effect, present their own magazines. Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. The trend in recent years has been for advertorials to mimic closely the format of the host magazine. Thus, it is safe to conclude that advertorials usually contain articles similar to the host magazine, are roughly four to thirty-two consecutive pages, and in recent years…advertorials mimic closely the format of the host magazine may damage the reputation of publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice A: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser. However, this choice uses the extreme language only. The passage states that in Such sections…usually contain articles similar to articles in the magazine.

Choice B: No. This answer choice uses the phrase less…than to compare editorial content now to in the past. However, this is a no such comparison answer, as the passage does not compare these two items. The passage mentions articles similar to those appearing in the host publication in advertorials now but does not mention articles in advertorials in the past.

Choice C: No. The reference to limited appeal for advertisers, who were unsure how readers would react may seem appealing because the passage mentions the appeal of magazines to advertisers and Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that readers were concerned with the veracity of periodicals and the integrity of editorial decisions in reference to pandering to advertisers.

Choice D: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as The trend in recent years has been for advertorials to mimic closely the format of the host magazine.

Choice E: No. The word advertisement is recycled language from the passage. The passage does mention advertisements, but makes no mention of federal law.

The correct answer is choice D.

* Original Explanation for question 4 *

The phrase It can be inferred indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is something the author believes. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues. As many industry watchers have noted, the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.

Choice A: No. The reference to the danger of further concessions to advertisers may seem appealing because the passage mentions pandering to advertisers. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened but that such trends are an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege. Thus, the danger of further concessions to advertisers cannot be past.

Choice B: No. The reference to the fundamental division between editorial concerns and marketing decisions may seem tempting because the passage mentions pandering to advertisers. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened but that such trends are an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege. Thus, it cannot be that the division…no longer exists.

Choice C: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.

Choice D: No. The reference to news periodicals remain autonomous may seem appealing because the passage mentions the appeal of magazines to advertisers and Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that readers were concerned with the veracity of periodicals and the integrity of editorial decisions in reference to pandering to advertisers.

Choice E: No. The reference to value-added advertising incentives inevitably result in compromises of the integrity of news periodicals may seem tempting because the passage states None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened. Their cumulative effect, however, is to cast serious doubt on the integrity of editorial decisions. However, this choice uses the extreme language invariably. Later, the passage conditionally states the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.

The correct answer is choice C.

shubhs76 · Answer

Hi Brian123 , I had a similar doubt when I came across this question in Princeton Review. It seems a little far-fetched to consider tobacco companies as the answer. I have added the OE for the questions. I also felt that this is not a GMAT-level question. Please share your thoughts. If anyone else has a better explanation as to why the answer for Q1 is tobacco companies, please add

MuskaanMittal · Answer

Question Explanation

QUESTION 1

The phrase can be inferred indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is the entire passage. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion. Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? The answers to these questions are not always quickly forthcoming or unequivocal, in itself an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege.

Choice A: No. The reference to increase in the number of periodicals may seem appealing because the passage mentions the number of publications has mushroomed during the past decade. However, this choice uses the comparison language higher than at any previous time. The passage states In years past, magazines usually competed for advertising dollars by cutting advertising rates and As a result, rate wars long ago caused most publications to cut ad rates to their lowest possible levels. Yet, the statement that the number of publications has mushroomed during the past decade is not compared as higher than at any previous time.

Choice B: No. The reference to pressure exerted by advertisers on magazine editors may seem tempting because the passage mentions pandering to advertisers. However, this choice uses the comparison language greater than. The passage states Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium but makes no such comparison to television news programs.

Choice C: No. The phrase Newspapers that have added advertiser-friendly sections makes this answer choice appealing. However, this is actually a reversal of the information in the passage, which states Why have prestigious newspapers and newsweeklies recently added sections on fashion, hobbies, travel, and other “advertiser-friendly” subjects? Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice D: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? The answers to these questions are not always quickly forthcoming or unequivocal, in itself an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege...Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues.

Choice E: No. The reference to Magazine advertorial inserts may seem tempting because the passage states advertisers may, in effect, present their own magazines. Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. However, this choice uses the extreme language no useful information. The passage states “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication. Thus, it stands to reason that at least some useful information is presented to readers.

The correct answer is choice D.

MuskaanMittal · Answer

Question Explanation

QUESTION 2

The phrase It can be inferred indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is the addition of sections on fashion, hobbies and travel to periodicals. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Why have prestigious newspapers and newsweeklies recently added sections on fashion, hobbies, travel, and other “advertiser-friendly” subjects? Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion. Thus, it is safe to conclude that the addition of sections on fashion, hobbies, and travel to periodicals may damage the reputation of publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice A: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that in Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,”... the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors.

Choice B: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as Such pandering to advertisers could be disastrous to publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice C: No. The reference to too frivolous to be appropriate may seem appealing because the passage states the inclusion of fashion, hobbies, and travel sections cast serious doubt on the integrity of editorial decisions. Publishing choices that may have once gone unchallenged are now closely scrutinized. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage uses the integrity of editorial decisions in reference to pandering to advertisers.

Choice D: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of Why have stories on the increased incidence of lung cancer in women received scant coverage in women’s magazines? However, this choice uses the extreme language invariably supplants. While it may seem plausible to conclude that these sections could supplant hard news stories the passage does not state such an occurrence must invariably happen.

Choice E: No. The reference to the public’s trust and integrity may seem appealing because the passage discusses the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals. However, this answer choice is a memory trap. The passage states that Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues and that Should the public lose its faith, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium, but the passage does not state that the increased prominence of these sections has done irreparable damage.

The correct answer is choice B.

MuskaanMittal · Answer

Question Explanation

QUESTION 3

The phrase The author implies indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word implies. The subject of the question is advertorials. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, publishers also frequently offer advertisers anywhere from four to thirty-two consecutive pages in their magazines in which the advertisers may, in effect, present their own magazines. Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. The trend in recent years has been for advertorials to mimic closely the format of the host magazine. Thus, it is safe to conclude that advertorials usually contain articles similar to the host magazine, are roughly four to thirty-two consecutive pages, and in recent years...advertorials mimic closely the format of the host magazine may damage the reputation of publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice A: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser. However, this choice uses the extreme language only. The passage states that in Such sections...usually contain articles similar to articles in the magazine.

Choice B: No. This answer choice uses the phrase less...than to compare editorial content now to in the past. However, this is a no such comparison answer, as the passage does not compare these two items. The passage mentions articles similar to those appearing in the host publication in advertorials now but does not mention articles in advertorials in the past.

Choice C: No. The reference to limited appeal for advertisers, who were unsure how readers would react may seem appealing because the passage mentions the appeal of magazines to advertisers and Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that readers were concerned with the veracity ofQuestion Explanation
The phrase The author implies indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word implies. The subject of the question is advertorials. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, publishers also frequently offer advertisers anywhere from four to thirty-two consecutive pages in their magazines in which the advertisers may, in effect, present their own magazines. Such sections, commonly known as “advertorials,” usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser, not by the magazine’s editors. The trend in recent years has been for advertorials to mimic closely the format of the host magazine. Thus, it is safe to conclude that advertorials usually contain articles similar to the host magazine, are roughly four to thirty-two consecutive pages, and in recent years...advertorials mimic closely the format of the host magazine may damage the reputation of publications whose reliability depends on their independence from outside coercion.

Choice A: No. This choice may seem tempting due to the reference in the passage of usually contain articles similar to those appearing in the host publication; however, the content of these articles is controlled by the advertiser. However, this choice uses the extreme language only. The passage states that in Such sections...usually contain articles similar to articles in the magazine.

Choice B: No. This answer choice uses the phrase less...than to compare editorial content now to in the past. However, this is a no such comparison answer, as the passage does not compare these two items. The passage mentions articles similar to those appearing in the host publication in advertorials now but does not mention articles in advertorials in the past.

Choice C: No. The reference to limited appeal for advertisers, who were unsure how readers would react may seem appealing because the passage mentions the appeal of magazines to advertisers and Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that readers were concerned with the veracity of periodicals and the integrity of editorial decisions in reference to pandering to advertisers.

Choice D: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as The trend in recent years has been for advertorials to mimic closely the format of the host magazine.

Choice E: No. The word advertisement is recycled language from the passage. The passage does mention advertisements, but makes no mention of federal law.

The correct answer is choice D.

MuskaanMittal · Answer

Question Explanation

QUESTION 4

The phrase It can be inferred indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is something the author believes. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Ironically, efforts to appease advertisers may ultimately harm advertising revenues. As many industry watchers have noted, the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.

Choice A: No. The reference to the danger of further concessions to advertisers may seem appealing because the passage mentions pandering to advertisers. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened but that such trends are an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege. Thus, the danger of further concessions to advertisers cannot be past.

Choice B: No. The reference to the fundamental division between editorial concerns and marketing decisions may seem tempting because the passage mentions pandering to advertisers. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened but that such trends are an ominous sign that editorial integrity may be under siege. Thus, it cannot be that the division...no longer exists.

Choice C: Correct. This answer choice is supported by the passage, as the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.

Choice D: No. The reference to news periodicals remain autonomous may seem appealing because the passage mentions the appeal of magazines to advertisers and Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage states that readers were concerned with the veracity of periodicals and the integrity of editorial decisions in reference to pandering to advertisers.

Choice E: No. The reference to value-added advertising incentives inevitably result in compromises of the integrity of news periodicals may seem tempting because the passage states None of these trends necessarily proves that the strict “church/state” style separation of editorial and advertising offices has been weakened. Their cumulative effect, however, is to cast serious doubt on the integrity of editorial decisions. However, this choice uses the extreme language invariably. Later, the passage conditionally states the appeal of magazines to advertisers is the very integrity such accommodations compromise. Should the public lose its faith in the veracity of periodicals, advertisers would quickly lose interest in the medium.

The correct answer is choice C.

MuskaanMittal · Answer

Passage Explanation

Okay, so this passage is about how magazines compete for advertising money and what that’s doing to their editorial integrity.

In the past, magazines tried to get advertisers by cutting rates. But since ad budgets didn’t really grow while the number of magazines exploded, prices dropped to rock bottom. To win advertisers, magazines started offering ‘value-added’ deals — like putting advertisers on billboards or co-sponsoring contests.

Then came ‘advertorials’ — special sections inside the magazine that look like regular articles but are actually controlled by the advertiser. These pieces often mimic the host magazine’s style, which makes it hard for readers to tell the difference between journalism and advertising.

Now, technically, this doesn’t prove that editorial and advertising departments have merged. But the trend raises serious doubts: Why do prestigious papers suddenly feature travel, hobbies, or fashion — subjects attractive to advertisers? Why do women’s magazines downplay stories on smoking and lung cancer? The hesitation or lack of clear answers here is itself a worrying sign that advertisers may be influencing editorial choices.

And here’s the irony: by trying so hard to please advertisers, magazines may actually risk losing them. Advertisers are drawn to magazines precisely because readers trust their integrity. If readers start doubting that integrity, advertisers won’t see the medium as valuable anymore.

So, the big takeaway is: short-term appeasement of advertisers might backfire, damaging both editorial credibility and long-term ad revenue

In years past, magazines usually competed for advertising dollars by c

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In years past, magazines usually competed for advertising dollars by c

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