Now try this in-format Inference question.
Techniques to increase productivity in
the performance of discrete tasks, by requiring less human labor
in each step of the production process, are widely utilized. Consultants
on productivity enhancement point out, however, that although
these techniques achieve their specific goal, they are not without
drawbacks. They often instill enough resentment in the workforce
eventually to lead to a slowdown in the production process as
a whole.
Which of the following can be reasonably
inferred from the statements above?
|
Productivity enhancement techniques
do not attain their intended purposes and should not be
employed in the workplace. |
|
|
The fact that productivity enhancement
techniques are so widely employed has led to a decline in
the ability of American businesses to compete abroad. |
|
|
If productivity enhancement consultants
continue to utilize these techniques, complete work stoppages
will eventually result. |
|
Ironically, an increase in the productivity
of discrete tasks may result in a decrease in the productivity
of the whole production process. |
|
|
Production managers are dissatisfied
with the efforts that productivity enhancement consultants
have made to increase productivity. |
Countinue
Choice (D) is a nice paraphrase of the author's
argument: while some techniques can improve productivity on discrete tasks,
they may ultimately lead to a slowdown in the production process as a
whole.
Many times, the correct answer to an Inference
question will be an almost exact paraphrase of the argument. Always try
to stay close to the terms of the argument; be careful not to try to infer
too much.