Large discount chains can make

Answer choices

1. A

   No Impact2% picked this

   not all large discount chains do in fact make

   Can we weaken this argument by saying, "at least one large discount chain does not make a profit"? No. We can only weaken this argument by pointing out that there could be other ways, besides offering exceptional service, that allow a small retailer to retain its customers without lowering its prices.

   2%
2. B

   No Impact5% picked this

   some large discount chains have lower profit margins than do some

   Can we weaken this argument by saying, "at least one large discount chain has a lower profit margin than at least one small retailer?" No. We can only weaken this argument by pointing out that there could be other ways, besides offering exceptional service, that allow a small retailer to retain its customers without lowering its prices. Also, it's already common sense that large discount chains have lower profit margins. Their whole business model is to make pennies over cost but to sell in such high volume that those minor profit margins still add up to big profits.

   5%
3. C

   No Impact7% picked this

   small retailers are often motivated by things other than the desire

   Can we weaken this argument by saying, "Often, small retailers aren't super worried about profit?" No, because this conclusion isn't claiming or assuming that all small retailers care about retaining their level of profitability. It's only claiming that if a small retailer did want to compete with a big box store while retaining current profitability, it would be required that they offer exceptional service.

   7%
4. D

   No Impact6% picked this

   not all small retailers are forced to compete with large

   Can we weaken this argument by saying, "At least one small retailer isn't forced to compete with a large discount chain"? No, because this conclusion isn't claiming or assuming that all small retailers are forced to compete with large discount chains. It's only claiming that if a small retailer does have to compete with a big box store while retaining current profitability, it would be required that they offer exceptional service.

   6%
5. E

   Correct79% picked this

   exceptional service is not the only reason customers prefer small

   Why this is right

   This answer doesn't prove the conclusion wrong; it doesn't prove that there is another way to retain profitability and customers, while competing with a big-box store. But to Weaken an argument you don't have to prove the conclusion wrong. You just have to create some doubt, or score a point for the Defense attorney. If there are other things besides exceptional service that make people prefer a small retail store over a large discount chain, then that opens up the possibility that you don't have to have exceptional service to compete with a large discount chain. You could possibly have some of these other advantages that small retail stores have (better location? closer to other stores? easier to get in / get out with what you were looking for?) and still compete.

   Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

   79%