GMAT考试写作指导：Argument范文八九

　　1. Citing facts drawn from the color-film processing industry that indicate a

　　downward trend in the costs of film processing over a 24-year period, the author argues

　　that Olympic Foods will likewise be able to minimize costs and thus maximize profits

　　in the future. In support of this conclusion the author cites the general principle that as

　　organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. This principle,

　　coupled with the fact that Olympic Foods has had 25 years of experience in the food

　　processing industry leads to the authors rosy prediction. This argument is unconvincing

　　because it suffers from two critical flaws.

　　First, the authors forecast of minimal costs and maximum profits rests on the

　　gratuitous assumption that Olympic Foods long experience has taught it how to do

　　things better. There is, however, no guarantee that this is the case. Nor does the author

　　cite any evidence to support this assumption. Just as likely, Olympic Foods has learned

　　nothing from its 25 years in the food-processing business. Lacking this assumption, the

　　expectation of increased efficiency is entirely unfounded.

　　Second, it is highly doubtful that the facts drawn from the color-film processing

　　industry are applicable to the food processing industry. Differences between the two

　　industries clearly outweigh the similarities, thus making the analogy highly less than

　　valid. For example, problems of spoilage, contamination, and timely transportation all

　　affect the food industry but are virtually absent in the film-processing industry.

　　Problems such as these might present insurmountable obstacles that prevent lowering

　　food-processing costs in the future.

　　As it stands the authors argument is not compelling. To strengthen the conclusion

　　that Olympic Foods will enjoy minimal costs and maximum profits in the future, the

　　author would have to provide evidence that the company has learned how to do things

　　better as a result of its 25 years of experience. Supporting examples drawn from

　　industries more similar to the food-processing industry would further substantiate the

　　authors view.