Complete the concluding sentence of the following paragraph with one of the options given below:
Manufacturing companies are often faced with a trade-off between advances in productivity, which is one of the main goals of automation, and flexibility. When firms implement procedures that make repetitive processes more streamlined, they are able to produce more food at a faster rate. At the same time, however, ________
Understanding the Manufacturing Trade-off
The paragraph discusses a common challenge faced by manufacturing companies: the balance between increasing productivity through automation and maintaining flexibility. Streamlining processes and automating repetitive tasks boosts production speed and efficiency, which is a primary goal of automation.
However, the sentence requires a concluding phrase that highlights the downside or the other side of this trade-off, indicated by the transitional phrase "At the same time, however...". This means we need to find an option that represents a consequence or limitation arising from highly streamlined, automated processes.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option in the context of the paragraph:
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Option 1: engagement in engineering teams frequently comes down.
While automation might change the nature of engineering work, this option doesn't directly address the core trade-off between productivity and flexibility mentioned in the paragraph.
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Option 2: it is impossible to measure the impact of technology before it is launched.
This statement is a general comment about technology adoption and doesn't specifically relate to the consequences of implementing automation for productivity versus flexibility.
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Option 3: they become less likely to implement new and creative ideas.
This option directly addresses the loss of flexibility. When processes are highly optimized and automated for maximum efficiency (productivity), adapting them for new, creative ideas or significant changes becomes more difficult and less likely. This perfectly captures the trade-off.
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Option 4: workers are able to focus on the most interesting parts of their jobs.
This is often considered a potential benefit of automation, allowing workers to move away from repetitive tasks. It does not represent the negative consequence or the trade-off that the paragraph is setting up with the word "however".
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Option 5: (No content)
This option is empty and cannot be considered.
Conclusion on the Best Fit
The paragraph sets up a contrast. Increased productivity achieved through streamlined, automated processes often leads to a reduction in the system's adaptability. Option 3 accurately reflects this by stating that companies become less likely to implement new and creative ideas, which signifies a decrease in flexibility.
Therefore, the most suitable completion for the sentence is: "At the same time, however, they become less likely to implement new and creative ideas."
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension (Notes)
- Despite the thunderstorm, the old man remained seated on the porch, staring into the distance. Rain lashed the ground around him, but he didn't flinch. His eyes, cloudy with age, fixed on something far beyond the horizon - something only he could see. The storm was loud, but whatever echoed in his mind was louder.
What can be inferred about the man? Complete the concluding sentence of the following paragraph with one of the options given below:
In the 1960s, Jane Goodhall observed chimpanzees removing termites from hides with strapped twigs. Initially, researchers were unable to determine whether the animals viewed a group of tasks as a single problem requiring a general tool set or used individual tools to solve specific tasks. The question was finally resolved when chimps were observed selecting tools to carry with them in anticipation of particular difficulties. Research, therefore, concluded that not only are chimpanzees capable of using tools in a sophisticated way, but they ________Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent and meaningful paragraph.
(A) The university president has proposed scheduling several introductory-level classes online in order to save money
on building maintenance and energy costs.
(B) The curriculum would not be changed.
(C) With recent cut backs in educational funding, the state university must reduce its expenditure or face bankruptcy.
(D) Students enrolled in these proposed 'virtual classrooms' would be taught the full programme by the same instructors teaching in the regular classrooms.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent and meaningful paragraph.
(A) Lack of knowledge about the diet is what makes people raise questions.
(B) This diet often characterized as restrictive, is associated with health benefits, however, it raises concerns.
(C) The Vegan diet has gained momentum in recent years.
(D) There is a controversy about this diet with some people supporting it and others questioning its benefits.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:Rearrange the following sentences into a logical and meaningful paragraph.
(A) A famous Japanese rock garden is at Ryoan-si in Northwest Kyoto, Japan.
(B) The rocks of various sizes are arranged on small white pebbles in five groups, each comprising five, two, three, two and three rocks.
(C) The garden is 30 meters long from East to West and 10 metres from North to South.
(D) The garden contains 15 rocks arranged out on surface of white pebbles in such a manner that visitors can see only 14 of them at once from whichever angle the garden is viewed.
(E) There are no trees, just 15 irregularly shaped rocks of varying sizes, some arranged by gravel that is raked everyday.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
