PrepTest 141, Section 1, Question 16
Some critics of advertising have assumed that the(423 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- AAdvertising has greater(25 more words not shown)
- BEven if, as(33 more words not shown)
- CMarcusian arguments regarding(34 more words not shown)
- DCritics of advertising(37 more words not shown)
- EThe problematic distinction(27 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted the response: Marcusians underestimate consumers' ability to make their own choices. A product can also meet a genuine need even if it doesn't deliver the precise emotional payoff an advertisement suggests.
What we’re looking for
Look for that criticism and its reason. An answer about advertising being pleasant, or about the difficulty of distinguishing needs, may mention something true without capturing the full argument.
Working the answers
- A
Enjoyable advertisements are one example near the end, but effective delivery of information is not the author's central defense. The main argument concerns consumers' autonomous choices and genuine fulfillment, rather than these two supposed sources of advertising's social value.
- B
This captures the third paragraph's problem with separating real and false needs. It leaves out the larger response that follows: consumers can choose independently and find real fulfillment through purchases.
- CCorrect
This joins the author's objection to its supporting explanation. The fourth paragraph rejects the assumption that consumers do not respond “autonomously,” then explains how freely chosen commodities or advertisements can provide genuine fulfillment. That is the main point we predicted.
- D
The opening concerns some critics, not a general claim about what critics typically do. The author defends autonomous choice and genuine fulfillment without claiming that consumers distinguish their real needs from the apparent ones advertising induces.
- E
Marcuse expressly recognizes both physical and psychological needs. The author's main objection is that his followers underestimate consumer autonomy, not that their distinction forgets these two kinds of needs.
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