As technology continues to progress, new avenues open for the implemen

Question

As technology continues to progress, new avenues open for the implementation of traditional business strategies. One such area that presents myriad opportunities, and pitfalls, for a modern business is that of Internet marketing. The effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies, including necessary conversions of existing paper-based marketing initiatives to electronic versions, allows a business to build a larger client base and then leverage that base into increased revenue opportunities. For example, a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign. Or a business may create an auxiliary website which, under the auspices of providing information or advice, offers links to a sales site.

While the opportunities for increased revenue are abundant, so too are the potentially damaging risks. Inappropriate or misguided marketing strategies can result in the creation of a negative brand image and the loss of potential clients. Common transgressions in the field of Internet marketing include such obvious negatives as the use of “spam” emails—mass, unfocused solicitations—and lesser annoyances such as the inclusion of large attachments that can slow down modem connections, or the sending of multiple messages to the same client list. Businesses engaging in these practices as a result of a misguided or incomplete marketing strategy will see a potential loss of client base and generate negative word-of-mouth.

Another common shortcoming in the field of high technology marketing concerns the lack of necessary research into the type of website design that will optimize product or service exposure. Many businesses fail to recognize the importance of linking a site to relevant search engine key phrases. One study found that use of “intuitive key phrases,” that is, use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service, resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time. This finding can be explained by the relative paucity of users who actually use such phrases in their query search as well as by the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases.   1 
 1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

A. obtaining a list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects
B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry
C. creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company
D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy
E. investing in paper-based marketing initiatives to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies

2 
 2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs.
B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs.
C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs.
D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs.
E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs.

3 
 3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.
B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field.
C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines.
D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the top five companies in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances.
E. Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue for a particular product or service.

4 
 4. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action.
B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks.
C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.
D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed.
E. Temper a discussion of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results.

RC Butler Competition 2021  -  Participate and Win!   
Passage # 18 Date: 13-Jan-2021
 This question is a part of RC Butler Competition 2021 .  Click here for Details

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

Explanation

The phrase mentioned by the author in the first paragraph indicates that this is a retrieval question. The subject of the question is the strategies that would most likely result in the increased revenue. The task of the question is to determine which strategy was discussed in the first paragraph. 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, The effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies… allows a business to build a larger client base and then leverage that base into increased revenue opportunities. As an example, the passage provides that a business may create an auxiliary website which, under the auspices of providing information or advice, offers links to a sales site. Evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text.

Choice A: No.  The idea of repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces is both a memory trap and a reversal. The idea is mentioned in the second paragraph  , yet subject of the question is the first paragraph. Also, the author views such strategies as Inappropriate or misguided marketing strategies, making the choice a reversal. Eliminate choice A.

Choice B:  Correct.   The passage states that businesses should build a larger client base and then leverage that base into increased revenue opportunities and then gives the example of how a business may create an auxiliary website which, under the auspices of providing information or advice, offers links to a sales site. Keep choice B.

Choice C: No.  The phrase piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company is a reversal. The passage states that a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign, not a related company. Eliminate choice C.

Choice D: No.  The idea of researching the use of the most commonly used query words is both a memory trap and a reversal. The idea is mentioned in the last paragraph  , yet subject of the question is the first paragraph. Also, the author views such strategies as potentially ineffective because the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases, making the choice a reversal. Eliminate choice D.

Choice E: No.  Investing in paper-based marketing initiatives is a reversal. The passage states that effective strategies include the necessary conversions of existing paper-based marketing initiatives to electronic versions. Eliminate choice E.

The correct answer is choice B.

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

Explanation

The phrase describes the function indicates that this is a structure question. The subject of the question is the first paragraph. The task of the question is to determine how the first paragraph relates to the passage as a whole. In order to answer the question, determine how the paragraphs relate to each other and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. The first paragraph focuses on how the effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies can create increased revenue opportunities, and then provides example of effective strategies. The second paragraph focuses on the potentially damaging risks associated with ineffective Internet marketing strategies, and shows how a misguided or incomplete marketing strategy will see a potential loss of client base and generate negative word-of-mouth. The final paragraph focuses on Another common shortcoming. Thus, the function of the first paragraph is to discuss the benefits of effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies, while the following paragraphs focus on the detriments of ineffective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies. Evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text.

Choice A: No.  The author’s main thesis is introduced is a memory trap. The author does introduce his thesis, but then the author’s own position is that While the opportunities for increased revenue are abundant, so too are the potentially damaging risks. The author is providing the critique, and is not defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect. Eliminate choice A.

Choice B: No.  The phrase exception to a general rule is a reversal. The passage states the One such area that presents myriad opportunities, and pitfalls, for a modern business is that of Internet marketing. The author’s position is that there is potential for both good and bad, so there is no general rule and no exception. Eliminate choice B.

Choice C: No.  The phrase recommends is extreme language. The passage states that Internet marketing presents myriad opportunities, but does not recommend any particular course of action. In fact, in the same sentence the author warns that Internet marketing presents myriad pitfalls. Eliminate choice C.

Choice D:  Correct.   The first paragraph discusses effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies, and the following paragraphs discuss the alternative of misguided or incomplete marketing strategy. Keep choice D.

Choice E: No.  The phrase dismissed as unrealistic is extreme language. The author does state that Internet marketing presents myriad opportunities, and pitfalls. However, the author discusses both possibilities equally and the former is not dismissed as unrealistic. Eliminate choice E.

The correct answer is choice D.

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

Explanation

The phrase it can be inferred in the question stem indicates this is an inference question. The subject of the question is the use of  “intuitive key phrases” . The task of the question is to determine what the passage states about the use of “intuitive key phrases”. 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, One study found that use of “intuitive key phrases,” that is, use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service, resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time. This finding can be explained by the relative paucity of users who actually use such phrases in their query search as well as by the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases. Evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text.

Choice A: No.  The phrase failure to generate a “hit” is extreme language. While use of “intuitive key phrases” can lead to a successful “hit” less than 30% of the time, there are other factors involved. If one of the limiting factors is removed, such as the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases, then it is possible that the failure rate could be lower than 70%. Eliminate choice A.

Choice B:  Correct.   The passage states that getting “hits” less than 30% of the time can be explained by… the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases. Thus, if the business has few competitors in its field then it could potentially generate “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time. Keep choice B.

Choice C: No.  The claim that Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them is a reversal. The passage states that the number of successful hits is low because of the relative paucity of users who actually use such phrases in their query search. Eliminate choice C.

Choice D: No.  The recycled language of the top five may make the choice appealing. However, the passage states that the intuitive key phrases are the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service, and does not discuss the top five companies in a particular industry. Eliminate choice D.

Choice E: No.  The phrase optimal revenue for a particular product or service is a memory trap. The passage mentions website design that will optimize product or service exposure, but it does not discuss optimal revenue in relation to intuitive key phrases. Eliminate choice E.

The correct answer is choice B.

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Explanation

This is a primary purpose question, as indicated by the phrase primary purpose. The task of the question is to determine why the author wrote the passage. The subject of the question is the passage as a whole. In order to answer the question, determine why the author wrote the passage, then evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which does not match the author’s primary purpose. According to the passage, One such area that presents myriad opportunities, and pitfalls, for a modern business is that of Internet marketing. The first paragraph focuses on how the effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies can create increased revenue opportunities, and then provides example of effective strategies. The second paragraph focuses on the potentially damaging risks associated with ineffective Internet marketing strategies, and shows how a misguided or incomplete marketing strategy will see a potential loss of client base and generate negative word-of-mouth. The final paragraph focuses on Another common shortcoming. Thus, the primary purpose of the passage is to discuss both the potential benefits and downfalls of Internet marketing strategies. Evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text.

Choice A: No.  The phrase Advocate a specific course of action is extreme language. The passage states that Internet marketing presents myriad opportunities, but does not recommend any particular course of action. In fact, in the same sentence the author warns that Internet marketing presents myriad pitfalls. Eliminate choice A.

Choice B: No.  The claim that the author minimizing the potential risks is a reversal. The author spends more time discussing the risks and does not minimize them. The author calls them potentially damaging risks, and list many harmful outcomes, including a potential loss of client base and generate negative word-of-mouth. Eliminate choice B.

Choice C: No.  The phrase Suggest caution is a memory trap. Although the author does discuss both the potential benefits and downfalls of Internet marketing strategies, the author does not suggest caution. The author simply states the fact of what can happen given different strategies. Eliminate choice C.

Choice D: No.  Discussing how a business initiative may fail to succeed is a memory trap. While the second and third paragraphs do discuss the shortcomings, the first paragraph discusses the benefits, such as increased revenue opportunities. The choice does not fulfill the task of describing the primary purpose of the passage. Eliminate choice D.

Choice E:  Correct.   The author starts with the positive aspects, such as increased revenue opportunities, and then tempers those with the common negative results, stating Common transgressions in the field of Internet marketing include such obvious negatives as the use of “spam” emails and common shortcoming in the field of high technology marketing concerns the lack of necessary research into the type of website design that will optimize product or service exposure Keep choice E.

The correct answer is choice E.

Sumi1010 · Answer

Short note on the passage :
P1 - Technology for business : Internet marketing - increased client base and revenue chances.
P2- Risks of Internet marketing due to misguided or incomplete strategy : -ve image, loss of clients
P3- Other shortcoming of IM : lack of research on websites type.

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would  most likely result in the increased revenue  mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

The passage states " The effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies, including necessary conversions of existing paper-based marketing initiatives to electronic versions, allows a business to build a larger client base and then leverage that base into increased revenue opportunities."
We must look for an option that supports in increasing the client base.

A. obtaining a list of potential clients  from a third party  and then employing the  repeated dissemination  of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects
 The list from a third party many not be reliable and repeated dissemination may not add anything, but could waste the resources. 
B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry
 Correct. The clients with the latest innovations would like to spend more on the new technologies, resulting a revenue growth for the companies.  
C. creating  partnerships  that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company
 Allowing piggyback the competitors and partners into existing campaign would not add anything in revenue.It's the non-competitors' piggybacking that may add to the revenue. 
D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy
 The lack of research on search engines results in inapt website types. Reducing this shortcoming may optimize product or service exposure.  
E.  investing in paper-based marketing initiatives  to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies
 The passage suggests " the conversions of existing paper-based marketing initiatives to electronic versions" Investing in paper-based marketing is not the strategy of Internet marketing.

B

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?
 This asks the structure of the passage and role of the first paragraph in overall structure. The first paragraph introduces Internet Marketing and it's benefits and next two paragraphs talk on the shortcomings of the Internet Marketing.

A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then  defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect  in the following paragraphs.
 The first paragraph does not bring an allegation and the author not defends against that allegation in subsequent paragraphs.  
B. The first paragraph presents  an exception to a general rule  that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs.
 The first paragraph is introductory with the positive aspects of the topic. There is no exception to a rule. 
C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs.
 Correct. he first paragraph introduces Internet Marketing and its benefits and then talk on the shortcomings of the Internet Marketing in subsequent paragraphs. 
D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then  contrasted with alternate outcomes  in later paragraphs.
 The author does not contrast the outcomes in the business, but just talks on the potential risks and challenges of the approach. 
E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is  later dismissed  as unrealistic in succeeding paragraph
 The view point is not dismissed but just the potential warnings are discussed .
 
 C

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?
 The passage implies the term “intuitive key phrases” as the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service.

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.
 Incorrect. The definition of the term is not determined by the failure or success of their probability to hit. They probability depends on the factors such as inadequate research, lack of users using these words etc.  
B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field.
 The definition of the term is not determined by the failure or success of their probability to hit. 
C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines.
 Correct. “intuitive key phrases” refer to the words most often associated with a particular product or service, by the users who actually use such phrases in their query search as well as by the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases. 
D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the  top five companies  in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances.
 There is no such information about top five companies. 
E.  Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue  for a particular product or service.
 This is opposite to what the passage implies.

C

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action.
 The passage dos not advocate for the Internet marketing without worrying the objections.  
B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks.
 The passage is neither just listing the advantages nor does it try to minimise the risks. 
C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.
 Correct. The passage warns on the course of action i.e. using Internet Marketing. 
D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed.
 The passage is not just listing the probable failures of the Internet marketing. 
E.  Temper a discussion  of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results.
 The passage does not temper the discussion by introducing negative results.

C

Deepakjhamb · Answer

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

answer is c)creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company

A. obtaining a list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects :  no this is recycled language and could be reversal of motive also , in passage it mentions that a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign and also that and also that Common transgressions in the field of Internet marketing include such obvious negatives as the use of “spam” emails—mass, unfocused solicitations and lesser annoyances such as the inclusion of large attachments that can slow down modem connections, or the sending of multiple messages to the same client list . So the strategy mentioned here is repeated emails which can be on the contrary negative one . 
B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry:  actually its not about sharing reports on latest innovation , the strategy mentioned in passage is about creating an auxiliary website which, under the auspices of providing information or advice, offers links to a sales site, so its out  
C. creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company:  yes this is the answer as first para says that a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign as an example of how a strategy could be deployed to increase revenue  
D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy:  infact this is reversal of facts , its a negative strategy and also this is stated only in the third para and we are talking about first para only . 
E. investing in paper-based marketing initiatives to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies:  this is wrong , author only says that effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies, including necessary conversions of existing paper-based marketing initiatives to electronic versions, allows a business to build a larger client base and then leverage that base into increased revenue opportunities . This says about conversion from paper initiatives to elctronic , not about paper initiatives complementing elctronic strategy , seems like reversal of facts

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

answer is d)The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs. 
A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs:  author is never defending against charges that thesis is incorrect in later paras , the thesis is that effective use of internet strategy can lead to positive outcomes , and in later paras alternate negative outcomes can also occur if some if we follow someitems inappropriately in internet strategy . 
B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs :  no exception to any general rule is provided , author only states a possible outcome with examples and then contrasts with alternate outcomes in later paras  
C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs:  author does not state or recommends any course of action , he only details a possible outcome and other alternate negative outcome possible , this is extreme language - recommends in terms of tone so its out  
D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraph:  yes this is refined language and hence the answer , in first para author details possible positive outcome based on effective usage of internet marketing strategy and then contrasts alternate negative outcomes in case of inappropriate handling of internet strategy on later paras  
E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs :  no viewpoint is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paras - so dismissed is extreme language , author only only details possible positive outcome based on effective usage of internet marketing strategy and then contrasts alternate negative outcomes in case of inappropriate handling of internet strategy on later paras

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

answer : a)The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases:  yes this is true , its just flip of following language in para 3 - One study found that use of “intuitive key phrases,” that is, use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service, resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time .
 
B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field :  actually in para 3 two items with equal probability are stated as reasons for less than 30% success -the relative paucity of users who actually use such phrases in their query search as well as by the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases . So we cannot say its likely because of one item less competitors . 
C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines : 
 no its not about frequency with which prospective clients employ them why they are designated as intuitive phrases rather they are use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service as per para 3  
D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the top five companies in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances: no this is not the case , passage just mentions that these are use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service and their usage resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time. No such connection to top five companies in particular industry is talked about in passage  
E. Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue for a particular product or service: passage does not say that avoiding these will result in optimal revenue , it just says that using these will lead to successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time, so out

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to
 answer is c)Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.

A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action:  advocating is a very extreme language here , author has never advocated a specific course of action , he just suggested possible positive and negative outcomes when using an internet marketing strategy , so this is out  
B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks: author is not detailing advantages while minimizing risks , he has just suggested possible positive and negative outcomes when using an internet marketing strategy , so this is out 
C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action:  yes , this is the refined language that we can use as author tells us about one opportunity that represents myraid opportunities and pitfalls and then discusses both positive and negative outcomes of internet strategy based on how effectively or inappropriately its handled  
D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed:  passage is not only about illustration of ways business initiative may fail to succeed , in first para how business initiative may succeed is also mentioned , so this is out  
E. Temper a discussion of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results:  no author's intention is not to 
temper a discussion of positive aspects by introducing more common negative results , this kind of comparison on which is more common -positive or negative results is not mentioned by author in passage , he is just stating about one opportunity that represents myraid opportunities and pitfalls and then discusses both positive and negative outcomes of internet strategy based on how effectively or inappropriately its handled, so he is just suggesting caution when undertaking a specific course of action .

Tahamohsin · Answer

This passage is insanely hard

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

answer is c)creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company

A. obtaining a list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects : no this is recycled language and could be reversal of motive also , in passage it mentions that a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign and also that and also that Common transgressions in the field of Internet marketing include such obvious negatives as the use of “spam” emails—mass, unfocused solicitations and lesser annoyances such as the inclusion of large attachments that can slow down modem connections, or the sending of multiple messages to the same client list . So the strategy mentioned here is repeated emails which can be on the contrary negative one .
B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry: actually its not about sharing reports on latest innovation , the strategy mentioned in passage is about creating an auxiliary website which, under the auspices of providing information or advice, offers links to a sales site, so its out
C. creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company: yes this is the answer as first para says that a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign as an example of how a strategy could be deployed to increase revenue
D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy: infact this is reversal of facts , its a negative strategy and also this is stated only in the third para and we are talking about first para only .
E. investing in paper-based marketing initiatives to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies: this is wrong , author only says that effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies, including necessary conversions of existing paper-based marketing initiatives to electronic versions, allows a business to build a larger client base and then leverage that base into increased revenue opportunities . This says about conversion from paper initiatives to elctronic , not about paper initiatives complementing elctronic strategy , seems like reversal of facts

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

answer is d)The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs.
A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs: author is never defending against charges that thesis is incorrect in later paras , the thesis is that effective use of internet strategy can lead to positive outcomes , and in later paras alternate negative outcomes can also occur if some if we follow someitems inappropriately in internet strategy .
B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs : no exception to any general rule is provided , author only states a possible outcome with examples and then contrasts with alternate outcomes in later paras
C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs: author does not state or recommends any course of action , he only details a possible outcome and other alternate negative outcome possible , this is extreme language - recommends in terms of tone so its out
D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraph: yes this is refined language and hence the answer , in first para author details possible positive outcome based on effective usage of internet marketing strategy and then contrasts alternate negative outcomes in case of inappropriate handling of internet strategy on later paras
E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs : no viewpoint is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paras - so dismissed is extreme language , author only only details possible positive outcome based on effective usage of internet marketing strategy and then contrasts alternate negative outcomes in case of inappropriate handling of internet strategy on later paras

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

answer : a)The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases: yes this is true , its just flip of following language in para 3 - One study found that use of “intuitive key phrases,” that is, use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service, resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time .

B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field : actually in para 3 two items with equal probability are stated as reasons for less than 30% success -the relative paucity of users who actually use such phrases in their query search as well as by the presence of multitudes of companies who have also linked their marketing campaign to the use of such phrases . So we cannot say its likely because of one item less competitors .
C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines :
no its not about frequency with which prospective clients employ them why they are designated as intuitive phrases rather they are use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service as per para 3
D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the top five companies in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances:no this is not the case , passage just mentions that these are use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service and their usage resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time. No such connection to top five companies in particular industry is talked about in passage
E. Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue for a particular product or service:passage does not say that avoiding these will result in optimal revenue , it just says that using these will lead to successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time, so out

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to
answer is c)Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.

A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action: advocating is a very extreme language here , author has never advocated a specific course of action , he just suggested possible positive and negative outcomes when using an internet marketing strategy , so this is out
B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks:author is not detailing advantages while minimizing risks , he has just suggested possible positive and negative outcomes when using an internet marketing strategy , so this is out
C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action: yes , this is the refined language that we can use as author tells us about one opportunity that represents myraid opportunities and pitfalls and then discusses both positive and negative outcomes of internet strategy based on how effectively or inappropriately its handled
D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed: passage is not only about illustration of ways business initiative may fail to succeed , in first para how business initiative may succeed is also mentioned , so this is out
E. Temper a discussion of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results: no author's intention is not to
temper a discussion of positive aspects by introducing more common negative results , this kind of comparison on which is more common -positive or negative results is not mentioned by author in passage , he is just stating about one opportunity that represents myraid opportunities and pitfalls and then discusses both positive and negative outcomes of internet strategy based on how effectively or inappropriately its handled, so he is just suggesting caution when undertaking a specific course of action .

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Answer IMO:
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. B

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

A. obtaining a list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects
 Wrong- Employing the repeated "dissemination of marketing pieces" is not the strategy. 
B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry
 Wrong- Developing web portal is not the strategy, acquiring clients is. 
C. creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company
 Correct- as mentioned in P1: "For example, a business may charge non-competitive companies a fee to allow them to “piggyback” onto an existing marketing campaign."  
D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy
 Wrong- that's not mentioned in the first paragraph. 
E. investing in paper-based marketing initiatives to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies
 Wrong- Irrelevant

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs.
B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs.
C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs.
D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs.
E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs.
 IMO Answer is C- The author is recommending advanced Technology, but then warns of potential problems in the next subsequent paragraphs. Rest of the options don't make sense.

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.
 Wrong- It's about the accuracy 30% of the times by using intuitive key phrases that consumers would key in the most in search engines. 
B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field.
 Wrong- It's not about the 30% success of the total queries that are received. It's rather 30% times the users land on the intended page. 
C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines.
 Correct- Phrases are so "tagged", or designated, which would match the frequently used key phrases by consumers in the search engines. 
D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the top five companies in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances.
 Wrong- "Top five companies" is incorrect. 
E. Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue for a particular product or service.
 Wrong- incorrect interpretation

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action.
 Wrong- There is no advocacy here among several course of actions. 
B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks.
 Hold- Advantages are mentioned in the first paragraph, and the potential risks are mentioned in the next 2 paragraphs. 
C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.
 Wrong- This is too broad. 
D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed.
 Wrong- Again this is not so specific as compared to the other better options. 
E. Temper a discussion of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results.
 Hold- Author has initiated a topic that highlights the advantages of marketing technologies and their positive aspects. And then "negative results"- wait- not sure if negative results are explained in both the paragraphs, while it does explain the shortcomings that doesn't necessarily mean negative results.
Between B and E-  I will go with B

RashmikaAnegama · Answer

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

A. obtaining a list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects 
This is a risk as explained in the para 2.
 B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry 
This is a contender, but the third para explains that lack of the website key engine search efficiency is the imp thing, So D is the answer.
 C. creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company 
of a related company - I think this becomes competitive and hence doesn't work.
 D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy 
As explained in the last para, this proves to be the right answer.
 E. investing in paper-based marketing initiatives to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies 
The first paragraph explains that conversion from paper marketing to digital marketing has helped to increase revenue opportunities.
This is an opposite answer.

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs. 
No, I can't clearly say why it's wrong but, this doesn't make sense.
 B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs. 
No, not a general rule at all.
 C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs. 
Yes, he recommends digital marketing as a course of action to increase revenues and then in the further paragraphs warns it's risks.
 D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs. 
This is not an outcome but a course of action.
 E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs. 
That is not unrealistic but a rare possibility

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases. 
 B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field. 
 C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines. 
 D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the top five companies in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances. 
This is explicitly stated in the passage. So this is the answer
 E. Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue for a particular product or service.

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A and C are contenders and A is more appealing.
 A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action. 
 B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks. 
It is not minimizing! So eliminate this
 C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action. 
 D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed. 
This is just summarizing 2nd para, so we can eliminate it!
 E. Temper a discussion of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results. 
No

So, IMO, D,C,D,A are the answers.

Vie3nrose · Answer

Question 2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?
 
 If the theme of the passage can be summarized with  "One such area that presents myriad opportunities, and pitfalls, for a modern business is that of Internet marketing" , then the first paragraph focuses on the opportunities of internet marketing, vs the pitfalls which are discussed in PG2 and PG3. Looking for an answer choice that fits with this.

A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs.
 INCORRECT   -- Agree that PG1 introduces a main thesis ("One such area that presents myriad opportunities, and pitfalls, for a modern business is that of Internet marketing"), and although PG2 and PG3 discusses some mistakes/challenges in internet marketing, this is still in line with the main thesis. 
 
B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs.
 INCORRECT   -- This choice might be referring to revenue opps as the exception to the general rule that internet marketing has a lot of problems. However, the author's theme introduces both the pros and cons equally and doesn't state that problems are the "rule". (also PG2 "While the opportunities for increased revenue are abundant, so  too  are the potentially damaging risks") 
 
C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs.
 INCORRECT   -- In PG1 the author discusses examples of the "effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies", but isn't necessarily recommending a course of action. Similarly, PG2 and PG3 discusses examples of ineffective internet marketing, but they're not necessarily related to a specific "course of action" from PG1. 
 
D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs.
 CORRECT   -- PG1 discusses "effective exploitation of Internet marketing strategies", and PG2/PG3 focuses on the opposite: "Inappropriate or misguided marketing strategies". This choice aligns the best with our pre-think.
 
E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs.
 INCORRECT   -- The viewpoint presented is: "One such area that presents myriad  opportunities, and pitfalls , for a modern business is that of Internet marketing". All paragraphs in this passage are dedicated to providing more context and examples that strengthen this viewpoint.

Neha2404 · Answer

1-C
2-C
3-A
4-E

Para 1- Author discussed a marketing strategy that use in result of increase revenue 
Para -2Author discussed some potential damaging risks.Spam mails 
Para-3 Author discussed Another common shortcoming in the field of high technology marketing concerns and intuitive key phrases,”

IMO-C

1. Which of the following strategies, if employed by a company, would most likely result in the increased revenue mentioned by the author in the first paragraph?

A. obtaining a list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt to convert such prospects
INCORRECT- Author not discussed that the list of potential clients from a third party and then employing the repeated dissemination of electronic marketing pieces in an attempt will result in increase in revenue

B. developing a web portal devoted to providing clients with up-to-date reports on the latest innovations and developments within the industry
INCORRECT-Author discussed about the development of web portal by company with non competitive companies but not mentioned that delopment will help in upto date reports and result in increase in sales

C. creating partnerships that allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company
INCORRECT-Author said that creating partnerships allow the company to piggyback onto the existing marketing campaign of a related company and will result in increase revenue , Companies can make partnerships with non competitive companies

D. researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy
INCORRECT- Author not mentioned that researching the use of the most commonly used query words in the industry and using those words as the basis of a search engine marketing strategy will result in increase revenue,

E. investing in paper-based marketing initiatives to complement the implementation of electronic marketing strategies
INCORRECT- it is opposite Author is in favor of non paper based marketing

IMO-C
2. Which of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole?

A. The author’s main thesis is introduced in the first paragraph and then defended against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs.
INCORRECT-Author discussed a strategy in 1st para but he is not defending against charges that the thesis is incorrect in the following paragraphs.

B. The first paragraph presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs.
INCORRECT-Author not presents an exception to a general rule that is later detailed in the remaining paragraphs.

C. The author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs.
CORRECT- in 1st para author recommends a course of action in the first paragraph then in 2and 3rd para warns of potential problems related to that course of action in the following paragraphs.

D. The author uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs.
INCORRECT -Author not uses the first paragraph to detail a possible outcome that is then contrasted with alternate outcomes in later paragraphs. Author discussed 1st par about a strategy and it result in increase in revenue in latter para he discussed potential risk

E. The first paragraph presents a viewpoint that is later dismissed as unrealistic in succeeding paragraphs.
Incorrect Author not presented a view point which he dismissed later

IMO-A

SUPPORTING LINES -One study found that use of “intuitive key phrases,” that is, use of the top five words most often associated with a particular product or service, resulted in a successful “hit,” or link to a specific site, less than 30% of the time.

3. Which of the following can be inferred about the use of “intuitive key phrases”?

A. The use of such a phrase will result in the failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.
CORRECT- according to supporting lines successful rate is less than 30% time menas failure to generate a “hit” in over 70% of cases.

B. A business that generates “hits” from such queries more than 30% of the time most likely has few competitors in its field.
Incorrect- Author not discussed about competitive field

C. Such phrases are so designated because of the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines.
INCORRECT-Author discussed about phrase ate designed using key words but not the frequency with which prospective clients employ them when using search engines. not discussed it

D. Using intuitive key phrases in a search query will connect the user with one of the top five companies in a particular industry in approximately 30% of the instances.
Incorrect- not discussed that phrase will connect the user with one of the top 5 companies

E. Avoiding the use of such phrases will result in optimal revenue for a particular product or service.
INCORRECT- it Can’t inferred from supporting lines

IMO-E

4. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action.
INCO- Author is not Advocate a specific course of action despite potential objections to that course of action .he mentioned the discussion about a strategy

B. Detail the advantages of a particular business strategy while minimizing the potential risks.
INCORRECT-Author not discussed the a advantage of strategy of increase in revenue but not discussed more than one advantages

C. Suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.
INCORRECT Author not suggest caution when undertaking a specific course of action.

D. Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed.
INCORRECT- Author not give Illustrate various ways in which a business initiative may fail to succeed.

E. Temper a discussion of the positive aspects of a strategy by introducing more common negative results.
CORRECT- Author discussed a strategy with positive aspect is increase in revenue 
In 2nd and 3 rd para he mentioned common negative aspect of the strategy

Posted from my mobile device

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Wow

One might get passage like this in the real test if his/her performance is going on as per a V42 caliber student.

Bad luck RashmikaAnegama and Pankaj0901 Official explanation and points table will be posted soon. Good Luck for the next questions Thank you!

VerbalBot · Answer

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