One clear advantage of selling goods online is that smaller markets ca

Question

New Project RC Butler 2019  -  Practice 2 RC Passages Everyday   
Passage # 17, Date : 09-FEB-2019
 This post is a part of New Project RC Butler 2019 .  Click here for Details

One clear advantage of selling goods online is that smaller markets can be served without the seller needing to invest in heavy inventory costs. Recordings of classical music, for example, are increasingly hard to find at the larger music chains, where only a handful of recordings sell well enough to make the inventory costs and use of shelf space worthwhile, but the afcionado can now locate nearly any classical CD in print on the Internet. In addition, forward-thinking artists without national reputations have made their music available on personal sites or through services that provide the musicians a more generous share of profits than that oﬀered by the large record labels. For some, this has resulted in increased sales volume, greater return on investment, greater control of product, and a more direct connection with an eager market base. Major orchestras and record labels have taken note, and have created Web sites where one can purchase individual tracks, full CDs, archival recordings, and even music exclusively made available for online downloads. Some symphony orchestras now include, with the price of admission to a concert, the right to download a recording of the concert afterward. Other services allow the listener unlimited streaming or downloading for a monthly fee. The question remains as to whether classical music will remain at the periphery of the online market, just as it is in the big retail chains. The short answer is most likely yes; classical music is now just one more niche market, albeit one with a particularly long and distinguished past. Cultural factors—most notably television—have been at work for some time now, creating a limited audience for music that requires sustained critical listening. However, the digital economy has ensured two important factors. First, for those with an interest, an impressively wide range of classical music will be available for some time to come. Second, motivated new artists can earn enough to continue to produce new recordings\   1 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to _______.

(A) demonstrate that classical music, though it is part of a culture that is antithetical to its existence, will exist for some time to come
(B) acknowledge that classical music sales are unlikely to capture a significantly larger part of the market share of musical recordings, despite the beneficial eﬀect of online sales
(C) discuss the many ways that the Internet has contributed, and will contribute, to sales of smaller markets
(D) use the eﬀect that online sales has had – and will have – on classical music sales as an example of how the digital economy can change smaller markets
(E) show how a few motivated artists have revolutionized a feld that was in danger of becoming extinct

2 
 2. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that _______.

(A) classical music recordings available exclusively online are equal to those available in stores
(B) the large music chains have not done enough to promote the sales of classical music recordings
(C) the enjoyment of popular music does not necessitate long periods of intense listening
(D) any classical musician who wishes to increase sales of his or her recordings should set up a personal Web site
(E) the digital economy has had a mixed eﬀect on classical music sales

3 
 3. Which of the following is NOT an example of the eﬀect that the digital economy has had on the selling of classical music, as described in the passage?

(A) Consumers are able to purchase CDs that are unavailable in stores.
(B) Artists find it easier to send promotional information to people who have expressed an interest in the artists’ music.
(C) A major record label oﬀers its new artists a greater share of profits than in the past.
(D) Listeners download music without having to concern themselves with the cost of each download.
(E) A new artist sells enough copies of a frst CD to pay for the production of a second.

4 
 4. It can be inferred from the passage that one factor that has led to the marginalizing of classical music in retail stores is that _______.

(A) classical music must compete with a wide range of other niche market recordings
(B) physical space is needed for better-selling recordings
(C) major orchestras have had a difficult time selling tickets to live performances
(D) inventory costs of classical music recordings tend to be higher than those associated with popular music
(E) recordings are displayed in a way that is disadvantageous to the consumer who is interested in a recording that is not a big seller

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to _______.

Explanation

The 1st sentence of the passage puts the discussion of classical music sales in the context of smaller markets. The last paragraph discusses the effect that online sales will have.  (A):  This choice leaves out any mention of online sales.  (B):  The emphasis of the passage is not on the unlikelihood of this increase.  (C):  This choice doesn't mention classical music sales.  (E):  This choice focuses on the artists, while the passage focuses on sales.

ANSWER: D

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that _______.

Explanation

The second paragraph states  "Cultural Factors--most notably television--have been at work for some time now, creating a limited audience for music that requires sustained critical listening "  This implies that non-classical (popular) music doesn't require sustained critical listening.  (A)  This comparison is never made.  (B)  the author does not imply that the chains have not done enough.  (D):  This is too strong an inference. It might not be true for all classical musicians.  (E)  the passage only mensions positive effects.

ANSWER: C

3. Which of the following is NOT an example of the eﬀect that the digital economy has had on the selling of classical music, as described in the passage?

Explanation

Refer back to the passage for this Specific question. No where in the passage does the author state that the major labels are offering a greater share of profits.  (A):  The 1st paragraph states that  "the aficionado can now locate nearly any classical CD in print on the Internet." (B): The 1st paragraph states that artists can now have "more direct connection with an eager market base."   (D):  The last sentence of the 1st paragraph states that  "Other services allow the listener unlimited streaming or downloading for a monthly fee."  Since the fee is monthly, the listener does not have to worry about the cost of individual downloads.  (E):  The final sentence of the passage states that  "Second, motivated new artists can earn enough to continue to produce new recordings."

ANSWER: C

4. It can be inferred from the passage that one factor that has led to the marginalizing of classical music in retail stores is that _______.

Explanation

This "Inference" question is actually answered directly in the passage. The 1st paragraph states that  "only a handful of recordings sell well enough to make the inventory costs and use of shelf space worthwhile ..."   (A):  This niche-against-niche competition is never mentioned.  (C):  The passage never states that this is so.  (D):  This comparison is never made.  (E):  How the recordings are displayed is never mentioned.

ANSWER: B

Hope it Helps

sleepynut · Answer

Hi,
Please help with #2.
I don't see anything related with"enjoyment."

jtneee06 · Answer

I am stuck between options B and D in question 4.I think option B is answer beause para say only small number of recordings are sold to make shelf space worthwhile ..meaning physical space is needed.problem I find option D there is no comparison as such btw pouplar music and classic music.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

pikolo2510

Q#2

The Correct Answer is : C

The second paragraph states "Cultural Factors--most notably television--have been at work for some time now, creating a limited audience for music that requires sustained critical listening "This implies that non-classical (popular) music doesn't require sustained critical listening. (A) This comparison is never made. (B)the author does not imply that the chains have not done enough. (D): This is too strong an inference. It might not be true for all classical musicians. (E) the passage only mensions positive effects.

Hope it Helps

tamal99 · Answer

Hi  SajjadAhmad ,
Thanks for sharing such nice RC.
Could you please post OE of Q#3.

Thanks,
Tamal

patto · Answer

In question 4, I doubted about choosing B or E.

If we read properly, E is clearly wrong. As this answer choice says that "recordings are displayed in a way that is disadvantageous to the CONSUMER," but indeed, where the recordings are displayed is not disadvantageous to the consumer...

Do you agree guys?

vivek360 · Answer

Hi!

For question#2, can we not infer D based on the excerpt "For some, this has resulted in increased sales volume, greater return on investment, greater control of product, and a more direct connection with an eager market base."?

I thought that because the passage mentioned that for some artists result was positive, so for others it could be negative. (but again, I think that it  could  be negative; it did not have to be negative(?))

napolean92728 · Answer

Identify Key Information in the Passage  
 Focus on the   main topic and direction   of the passage: 
 
  Topic: Impact of the Internet on the classical music market.  
  Tone: Analytical—not overly optimistic or pessimistic.  
   Structure:

Online sales benefit small/niche markets (e.g., classical music).  
  Specific examples: online availability, artist control, new platforms.  
  Acknowledgment that classical music will likely stay a niche.  
  However, it will still be available and viable due to digital support.   
  
  👉 Main idea:  Digital economy helps sustain niche markets like classical music, even if they don’t dominate.

Paragraphs 1–2: Benefits of online sales to classical music.  
  Paragraph 3: Concerns about the market staying niche.  
  Final lines: Optimistic takeaway—classical music can survive through the digital model.   
 These show that the overall point is to use classical music as a case study to demonstrate the effects of the digital economy on niche markets.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to _______  
 (A) demonstrate that classical music, though it is part of a culture that is antithetical to its existence, will exist for some time to come
❌ Too narrow and vague. 
 
  “Culture antithetical to its existence” is not the main theme (briefly mentioned in “cultural factors” but not central).  
  This ignores the broader discussion of digital economics and market impact.

(B) acknowledge that classical music sales are unlikely to capture a significantly larger part of the market share of musical recordings, despite the beneficial effect of online sales
❌ Too limited in scope. 
 
  This is a conclusion, but not the primary purpose.  
  The main thrust of the passage is about opportunities created by digital platforms, not just about sales share.

(C) discuss the many ways that the Internet has contributed, and will contribute, to sales of smaller markets
❌ Close, but too general. 
 
  It hints at the digital economy’s impact on small markets, but doesn’t specify classical music as a central example.  
  Lacks the "example-based" structure present in the passage.

(D) use the effect that online sales has had – and will have – on classical music sales as an example of how the digital economy can change smaller markets
✅ Best match. 
 
  Accurately captures the structure: classical music as an example.  
  Captures the thrust: how digital economics benefit niche markets.  
  Fits the tone and structure of the entire passage.

(E) show how a few motivated artists have revolutionized a field that was in danger of becoming extinct
❌ Too extreme and narrow. 
 
  The passage is not focused on a “revolution” or imminent extinction, nor is it about only a few artists.

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that _______.   
 ( A) classical music recordings available exclusively online are equal to those available in stores
❌ Not stated or implied. No quality comparison is made. The focus is on availability, not equality.

(B) the large music chains have not done enough to promote the sales of classical music recordings
❌ Too accusatory. The passage mentions that only a handful of recordings are stocked, but does not blame or judge the chains.

(C) the enjoyment of popular music does not necessitate long periods of intense listening
✅ Correct inference.
 
 From the line:

Implies popular music, which dominates, doesn't require such critical listening.

(D) any classical musician who wishes to increase sales of his or her recordings should set up a personal Web site
❌ Too strong (“any musician should...”). The passage mentions some have done this, but does not make a general recommendation.

(E) the digital economy has had a mixed effect on classical music sales
❌ No mixed review implied. The effect is shown as positive, though classical music remains niche.

3. Which of the following is NOT an example of the effect that the digital economy has had on the selling of classical music, as described in the passage?  
(A) "Consumers are able to purchase CDs that are unavailable in stores." This is explicitly stated: "the afcionado can now locate nearly any classical CD in print on the Internet" when they're "increasingly hard to find at the larger music chains."

(B) "Artists find it easier to send promotional information to people who have expressed an interest in the artists' music." The passage mentions "a more direct connection with an eager market base" so this is correct.

(C) "A major record label offers its new artists a greater share of profits than in the past." The passage mentions services giving musicians "a more generous share of profits than that offered by the large record labels," but doesn't say large labels themselves have changed their profit-sharing model.

(D) "Listeners download music without having to concern themselves with the cost of each download." This aligns with the "unlimited streaming or downloading for a monthly fee" mentioned in the passage.

(E) "A new artist sells enough copies of a first CD to pay for the production of a second." The passage mentions "increased sales volume" and "greater return on investment" but doesn't specifically discuss artists funding subsequent recordings.
The correct answer is (C) - the passage doesn't mention major record labels changing their profit-sharing practices with new artists.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that one factor that has led to the marginalizing of classical music in retail stores is that _______.

Relevant line from early in the passage: 
 
 Key takeaway: Shelf space and inventory costs are only justified for better-selling recordings.

(A) classical music must compete with a wide range of other niche market recordings
 ❌ Not mentioned. No comparison with other niche markets is made.

(B) physical space is needed for better-selling recordings
 ✅ Correct. 
 
  Implied by:

This means shelf space is allocated to more profitable (popular) music.

(C) major orchestras have had a difficult time selling tickets to live performances
 ❌ Irrelevant. 
 
  The passage only mentions concerts in the context of digital downloads, not ticket sales struggles.

(D) inventory costs of classical music recordings tend to be higher than those associated with popular music
 ❌ Not stated or implied. 
 
  It says that few classical CDs sell well enough to justify inventory costs—not that the costs are higher.

(E) recordings are displayed in a way that is disadvantageous to the consumer who is interested in a recording that is not a big seller
 ❌ Not supported. 
 
  Display methods are not mentioned at all.

One clear advantage of selling goods online is that smaller markets ca

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

One clear advantage of selling goods online is that smaller markets ca

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