GRE Argument Topic 7

NOTE: The above topic has wording similar to Argument Tasks 91 and 92 of this Website. However, if you read carefully you will notice that the topic and the task instructions are different. Hence, it is very important to read the topic as well as its instructions completely before you start to write your response.

Sample 1:

Monarch Books' board of directors has recommended that the store should open a cafe to attract more customers. The board further recommends that, to make room for the cafe, Monarch Books eliminate its children's books section. Many questions arise from this recommendation, and they should be answered before Monarch Books makes such a drastic and, perhaps, irrevocable decision.

Removing an entire genre from its inventory is a step that Monarch Books should not take lightly. They should certainly ascertain what percentage of their revenue derives from the sale of children's books. Has that portion of Monarch's sales declined appreciably in recent years? It is hard to imagine that, with the popularity of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, children are reading less than in the past. Has Monarch Books researched industry trends to determine if children’s book sales have declined appreciably across the country? If they have not, this argument becomes invalid, because those book sales may be comparable to cafe sales.

The writer uses the results of a recent census that shows a decline in the percentage of the population under ten years of age to support replacing the children’s book section with a café. He or she assumes that the same must hold true for the geographic area served by Monarch Books. How do the census figures apply here? It could be that the presence of a thriving book store attracts families with young children to settle in the area. Additionally, a decline in a segment of the population doesn’t mean that the popularity of its activities will also decline. Having fewer customers for a particular item shouldn’t necessarily lead to eliminating that item; a store might simply stock fewer copies of it.

Another assumption is that Regal Books’ addition of a café will draw customers from Monarch Books. Over the twenty years of Monarch’s existence in its current location, the store has created a strong following because it carries a wide selection of books. Customers have formed a habit of patronizing this particular store, and retail experts will reveal that those habits are hard to change. Have Monarch customers requested a café? Have any of them defected to Regal Books? Monarch’s owners should be able to study their sales figures or survey their customers to uncover their needs and areas of dissatisfaction.

While pondering the wisdom of eliminating their children’s books in favor of adding a café, the store owners should study the retail area where the store is located. Does there appear to be a need for a café? Is there an abundance of restaurants in the area? Finally, they might want to know how Regal Books managed the addition of a café to its store. Did they eliminate their children’s book section? Did they build an addition to their current structure to house the café?

When Monarch owners have answered the important questions, they may find that a café would enhance their business. On the other hand, they may decide that cafes are a passing fancy and the cost/benefit ratio doesn’t make fiscal sense. If the reason for visiting a book store is, ultimately, to buy books, should Monarch limit the choices of genres available to its customers?

Sample 2:

According to the recommendation from the business manager of Monarch Books, a cafe should be opened in its store. This would attract more customers and give a better competition to Regal Books, which has recently opened up a cafe too.

Although, more people may be attracted to the book store by the opening up of a cafe, but they all need not be the customers willing to buy the books. There may be many who would just go there to relax, rather than show a genuine interest in buying the books. This may add up to the crowd thereby upsetting the actual customers.

Nevertheless, there has been no mention of the profits earned by regal books by virtue of their cafe. They might just be attracting crowd and not many customers among them. As a result, there may not be much increase in their sales. Before copying the cafe system from regal books, the locations of the two bookshops should be given a thorough consideration. The type of crowd more likely to visit Monarch Books should also be given a thought to. There is a possibility that Regal Books is situated near some college or university campus with a lot of youngsters around. Their preference for the bookstore with the cafe can be understood, as they are generally more experimental. What may have worked for Regal Books may not work for Monarch Books.

Monarch Books is known for its selection of books on all subjects and has built a large customer following in twenty years. Closing the children’s book section, for aping the new cafe system may not be taken well and bring down its popularity level. Going by the indication given by national census on the decline in popularity of children’s books, is not reliable since nothing is mentioned about the year in which this census was held. It may not be recent enough to be considered. Even if there is a decrease in the demand of children’s books, it is not wise to discontinue this section, as that would be adding to the further declination of children’s book section. Instead, more variety on the same could be made available, not withstanding the general trend of demand and supply.

The need to bring about changes in the present pattern arises only when there is an indication of Monarch Books losing its customers and drawing less profit. However, the business manager has not thrown any light on such issues while giving his recommendations. On one hand the manager expresses the desire to give a good competition to Regal Books, and on the other hand he suggests opening up a cafe in the book store by copying Regal Books. This may not be appreciated by the customers.

Without considering the above stated points, opening up a cafe at the cost of children’s book section is not at all advisable. Continuing with the children’s section will not only maintain its reputation among children but surely among their elders (parents) too. Thus, the argument given is not based on ample reasoning and is unconvincing.