GMAT Essays (AWA)

ESSAY QUESTION:
The following appeared in an article in a consumer-electronics magazine:

"Company X's latest model of digital camera to be released next month, the TR12, is being promoted as the most portable, user-friendly digital camera available, and also an excellent bargain. It can be expected to live up to these claims, because Company X's previous model, the TR11, was universally lauded as setting the standard in these areas last year."
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument's logic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument's conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound.



YOUR RESPONSE:
The article says that Company X's latest model of digital camera,TR12, is being promoted as most portable, user friendly digital camera available and also an excellent bargain. There is a possibility for these claims to be true as TR11,previous model of company X received critical applause for its standards. This does not sound very convincing due to following reasons.

Digital camera,TR12 is expected to live up to its claims since previous model TR11 has successfully done so. Even though the possibility that TR12 can set standards cannot be denied completely, it is improper to conclude that TR12 can do so just because of TR11 performance. There are several instances where one product of a company is successful whereas the following product with a lot of expectation tuned out to be a dud.

For instance, if we consider the case of sony digital cameras, even though its cameras are very popular and efficient and its earlier models established the company's success, due to smartphones and digital cameras from its rival companies at varied prices, latest camera may not impact the customer for its standards.

If we consider the case of NOKIA mobiles, even if the company mobiles are known for their quality and standards, they could make it to the same level as their contemporaries in case of smartphones.
It is possible that TR12 may not live up to its promotional expectations due to various reasons as software failure, defects in manufacturing, faulty devices and other unexpected problems. Also the choices and tastes of different generations of public are to be considered in order to declare a device as user friendly. Features that are user friendly for one generation may not have same impact in other generations.

It may or may not be of excellent bargain since there can be a lot of changes in economy of customer and his preferences and there can be a possibility that other cawhich are available at low price.

Therefore, Even if the possibility cannot be denied, declaring that TR12 will live up to the claims is extreme considering only the success of TR11. There are plenty of terms such as changes in market conditions, similar feature offered by the other companies, customer expectations, affordability, servicing capability and others that are needed for consideration before making such an argument.