Critical Reasoning

Traditionally, video game manufacturers have been most strongly influenced by serious video gamers. Because devoted gamers have historically purchased the majority of video games, companies react to the desires of this market segment. Normally, devoted gamers crave speed and action; thus, most manufacturers continue to produce games with faster chips and flashier graphics. Unfortunately, faster chips and flashier graphics are no longer in the industry’s best interest. The devoted gaming market is deeply stagnant, and it won’t soon expand. To infuse new life into the video game market, manufacturers must simplify the functionality of their games. By doing so, current non-gamers will be attracted to join the ranks of video game fans.

In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is a situation that the author believes to be true; the second offers evidence to explain this situation.
(B) The first is a situation that the author argues should not continue; the second provides evidence that supports the author’s position.
(C) The first is a statement of fact that contradicts the author’s position; the second is the author’s position.
(D) The first is a statement of fact that supports the author’s position; the second is a consideration that weighs against the author’s position.
(E) The first is a prediction that the author believes should not hold in this case; the second is an assumption that weighs against the author’s position.


OA B

Source: Manhattan Prep