[GRE writing] Dec. 24, 2023

1.

Question:

The following appeared in a memo from the marketing director of Top Dog Pet Stores: 'The best way to increase our profits over the next year is to lower prices, thereby attracting a larger customer base. Our recent market research indicates that our competitors are successfully implementing this strategy, resulting in increased sales. By following their example and reducing our prices, we can expect a similar outcome.

 

Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how that evidence might strengthen or weaken the argument.

 

Model Answer:

The argument presented by the marketing director assumes that lowering prices is the best strategy to increase profits on the success of competitors. However, a more comprehensive evaluation requires specific evidence to assess the validy of this recommendation.

 

Firstly, the argument should provide data on the competitiors' financial performance after implementing the price reduction strategy. Knowing the actual percentage increase in sales, profitability, and market share of the competitors would allow for a direct comparison. If the competitors experienced substantial growth, it strengthens the argument. Conversely, if their profitability did not significantly improve, it weakens the recommendation.

 

Secondly, the argument should include information about the nature of the products and services offered by Top Dog Pet Stores compared to those of the competitors. If the competitors' products are similar and directly comparable, the success of their price reduction strategy might be more applicable to Top Dog. However, if the competitors offer distinct products or services, the relevance of their strategy to Top Dog becomes questionable.

 

Furthermore, the argument should consider the potential impact of price reductions on the quality of products and services. If lowering prices does not compromise the quality and customer satisfaction, it strengthens the argument. However, if it leads to a reduction in quality or customer service, the long-term consequences on customer loyalty and reputation need to be considered.

 

In conclusion, a thorough evaluation of the argument requires specific evidence on the competitors' financial outcomes, the comparability of products and services, and the potential impact on quality. Only with this information can a well-informed decision be made regarding the effectiveness of lowering prices to increase profits.

 

2.

Question:

The following appeared in a memo from the marketing director of Top Dog Pet Stores: The best way to increase our profits over the next year is to lower prices, thereby attracting a larger customer base. Our recent market research indicates that our competitors are successfully implementing this strategy, resulting in increased sales. By following their example and reducing our prices, we can expect a similar outcome.

 

Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how that evidence might strengthen or weaken the argument.

 

Model Answer:

The argument presented by the marketing director assumes that lowering prices is the best strategy to increase profits based on the success of competitors. However, a more comprehensive evaluation requires specific evidence to assess the validity of this recommendation.

 

Firstly, the argument should provide data on the competitors' financial performance after implementing the price reduction strategy. Knowing the actual percentage increase in sales, profitability, and market share of the competitors would allow for a direct comparison. If the competitors experienced substantial growth, it strengthens the argument. Conversely, If their profitability did not significantly improve, it weakens the recommendation.

 

Secondly, the argument should include information about the nature of the products and services offered by Top Dog Pet Stores compared to those of the competitors. If the competitors' products are similar and directly comparable, the success of their price reduction strategy might be more applicable to Top Dog. However, if the competitors offer distinct products or services, the relevance of their strategy to Top Dog becomes questionable.

 

Furthermore, the argument should consider the potential impact of price reductions on the quality of products and services. If lowering prices does not compromise the quality and customer satisfaction, it strengthens the argument. However, if it leads to a reduction in quality or customer service, the long-term consequences on customer loyalty and reputation need to be considered.

 

In conclusion, a thorough evaluation of the argument requires specific evidence on the competitors' financial outcomes, the comparability of products and services, and the potential impact on quality. Only with this information can a well-informed decision be made regarding the effectiveness of lowering prices to increase profits.