Re: Introduced in 1978, video laserdiscs were technologically more advance
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18 Dec 2018, 00:34
1. The passage is primarily concerned with which of the following?
(A) Contrasting the success of DVDs with the failure of laserdiscs
Incorrect, partial scope.
(B) Describing the crucial role played by technology in the home audio and video market
Incorrect, no such role has been described in the passage.
(C) Questioning the wisdom of introducing new audio or video formats
Incorrect, the author doesn't question the introduction of new formats.
(D) Illustrating that there is more than one path to success in the home audio and video market
Correct, it is the gist of the passage that technology alone can't guarantee success in the home audio and video market. Reference lines (1st para): 'As this example illustrates, superior technology is no guarantee of success in the home audio and video market.'
(E) Proving that good marketing is the only way to guarantee success in the home audio and video market
Incorrect, the passage doesn't support this idea, 'the only way'...
2. The author of this passage would most likely agree that
(A) better technology alone will never cause the success of a new audio or video format.
Incorrect, 'never' is too strong, the passage doesn't support this option. It only mentions that there is no guarantee of success.
(B) a combination of better technology and good marketing is the best way to ensure success when introducing a new format.
Incorrect, again 'best way' is too strong a choice, not supported by the passage.
(C) there is no perfectly reliable way to predict the success or failure of new audio and video formats.
Correct, by POE and by the gist of the passage that technology alone can't guarantee success.
(D) companies in the home audio or video industry should invest less in product research and development than in marketing.
Incorrect, no mention of investment in the passage.
(E) consumer behavior is inherently irrational.
Incorrect, too generic, consumer behavior is not discussed in the passage in general.
3. According to the passage, which strategy is LEAST likely to produce a successful media format?
(A) Aggressively marketing a brand new format
Incorrect, Example in the passage: CDs
(B) Cautiously testing the market by releasing titles sparingly
Correct, Example: laserdiscs, reference lines: '...at least in part because relatively few movies were ever released on laserdisc.'
(C) Relying on word-of-mouth advertising
Incorrect, advertising, a kind of marketing, is supported by the passage as a way to success. Moreover, choice B is better.
(D) Creating a new format based on earlier technology
Incorrect, Example: DVDs
(E) Introducing a product that works with existing products
Incorrect, Example: Cassettes