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    Question

    While tapping on to the potential of rapid technological

    development in the industry, Verbal, a brand specializing in music systems and other related accessories, has launched wireless headphones' model VA25. This model is a successor to their vastly popular VA15 wired headphones. While Verbal claims that VA25 uses the same frame and technology as VA15 does, the average VA25 owner replaces the ear-cups every 6 months, twice as frequently as VA15 owner does. Since Verbal did not increase the price of VA25 despite adding wireless capability, it must have reduced the quality of ear-cups in VA25 to make up for additional cost. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the author's argument?
    A Most ear-cups tear apart when the headphones are stored in a backpack with a sharp object such as a scissor. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Verbal charges a lower price for replacement ear-cups of VA25 than it does for VA15. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C While most VA15s are shared devices, most VA25s are used exclusively as personal devices. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Very few of Verbal's customers periodically clean their ear-cups, actions which can increase their life drastically. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Since VA25 is wireless, it can also be worn while sleeping to reduce ambient noise. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    As per the argument, despite claimed to have the same frame and technology as its successor did, the users of VA25 have to get the cups of their headphones replaced twice as frequently as in case of VA15. On the basis of this observation, it has been concluded that Verbal must have reduced the quality of ear-cups in VA25 to make up for additional cost of making it wireless. This argument can be weakened by bringing another factor into picture which might have led to the early wearing-off of the headphone cups. Option (e) says that sinceVA25 is wireless, it can also be worn while sleeping to reduce ambient noise. This means VA25 are used for longer hours as compared to VA15. This could be a factor responsible for the early wearing-off of the headphone cups. Thus, option (e) is the right answer.

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