Question

Part A

Which set of details is most important to the author's argument?
A. The author discusses the history of commercials as well as a theory explaining how commercials influence consumers.
B. The author describes the environment in various types of stores, giving examples of striking sensory details.
C. The author gives an example of the influence of marketing on her purchases as well as of her attempts to resist that influence.
D. The author discusses several types of tactics marketers use to influence purchases, giving examples of each type.
Part B

What central idea does the set of details identified in Part A most clearly support?
A. Marketers can influence consumers even before they enter a store.
B. Marketers employ manipulative methods to get consumers to buy products.
C. Consumers often lack the ability to think rationally about purchases.
D. It is impossible for consumers to completely resist marketing ploys.

Answer 1

Part A: D
Reason: The author's main focus is on cataloging the various tactics marketers use, with examples illustrating each.

Part B: B
Reason: Details about specific marketing tactics most clearly support the central idea that marketers employ manipulative methods to get consumers to buy products.