| Traditionally, the first firm to commercialize a new
technology has benefited from the unique opportunity to
shape product definitions, forcing followers to adapt to a
standard or invest in an unproven alternative. Today, how-
( 5) ever, the largest payoffs may go to companies that lead in
developing integrated approaches for successful mass
production and distribution.
Producers of the Beta format for videocassette recorders
(VCR’s), for example, were first to develop the VCR com-
(10) mercially in 1975, but producers of the rival VHS (Video
Home System) format proved to be more successful at
forming strategic alliances with other producers and
distributors to manufacture and market their VCR format
Seeking to maintain exclusive control over VCR distri-
(15) bution. Beta producers were reluctant to form such alli-
ances and eventually lost ground to VHS in the compe-
tition for the global VCR market.
Despite Beta’s substantial technological head start and
the fact that VHS was neither technically better nor cheaper
(20) than Beta, developers of VHS quickly turned a slight early
lead in sales into a dominant position. Strategic alignments
with producers of prerecorded tapes reinforced the VHS
advantage. The perception among consumers that prere-
corded tapes were more available in VHS format further
(25) expanded VHS’s share of the market. By the end of the
1980’s. Beta was no longer in production.
100. Which of the following best describes the relation of the
first paragraph to the passage as a whole?
(A) It makes a general observation to be exemplified.
(B) It outlines a process to be analyzed.
(C) It poses a question to be answered.
(D) It advances an argument to be disputed.
(E) It introduces conflicting arguments to be reconciled.
100.
The best answer is A. In the first paragraph, the author presents a general observation about contemporary business; the rest of the passage narrates a specific series of recent events concerning two companies in particular. The story of these companies serves as an example that illustrates the observation being made in the first paragraph of the passage. Choices B, C and E can be eliminated because the author does not advance an argument. Although the passage does advance an argument, the author does not anticipate that the conclusions being drawn will bedisputed, so choice D is also incorrect.
My question is---whether an argument is advanced in the passage? It seems conflicted from OG explanation
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