（to continue）

In conclusion, the argument is unconvincing because the arguer oversimplifies both the problem and its possible solutions. To strengthen the argument, the arguer would have to provide evidence that the economics is indeed the most attractive major for undergraduates all over the country. To better evaluate the argument, we would need more information about the present enrollment¹ situation of both the economics field and other fields at Argent University as well as other possible effective means for promoting enrollment.

九、Argument小结 Part Two

十、是非问题例文分析

Case Study 1：

“People often complain that products are not made to last. They feet that making products that wear out fairly quickly wastes both natural and human resources. What they fail to see, however, is that such manufacturing practices keep costs down for the consumer and stimulate² demand.” Which do you find more compelling the complaint about products that do not list or the response to it? Explain your position using relevant reasons and/or examples drawn³ from your own experience, observations, or reading.

 2分作文：

I find the response better than the complaint of people. The response seems to originate without much thought involved. It is more of an emotional complaint than one anchored in logic⁴ or thought. Yes, it is a waste of human resources but that is without consideration to the benefits: lower costs and stimulated⁵ demand. Thus, the response fails to recognize the benefits.

The strength of the response is that it forces the reader to reconsider the complaint. It adds a new dimension to the argument. It, however, fails to address the issue of wasting human resources. Does this mean the responder agrees with the notion of wasting resources. In all actuality both the response and complaint is ineffective. The complaint doesn’t recognize or address the benefits, like the response doesn’t address the issue of wasting resources. The response, however, does bring in a new dimension and thus weakens the argument of the complaint.

4分作文：

I find the response to the complaint more compelling. Although the complaint is valid⁶, it is most often the case the building a product to last forever will indeed cost more than the average consumer is willing to pay. Creating such a product would require more materials and/or more heavy- duty wear resistant⁷ materials which inherently are more expensive.

Another factor that would drive costs up is the fact that demand for products would decrease. The demand would decrease since people do not have to replace old products with new products as often. With the increased variable costs for materials combined with a reduction in the production volume associated with lower demand, manufacturers must raise prices to break even or maintain the current level of profits. Although a few producers may make products to last, it is understandable how these companies can be driven out of existence. If a new competitor enters the market with a similar product that has a shorter life but a substantially lower price, then they will probably steal major portions of the other company s market share. The effects depend heavily upon the consumer’s perception of quality and what the customers requirements from the product actually are. For example, consumers may decide between two types of automobiles⁸.

One car may be built to last a long time but may not have the performance or be as comfortable as another car that is cheaper. So most consumers would purchase the cheaper car even though it may not last-as long as the heavy- duty car. Consumers may not realize that the more expensive car is of higher quality in the sense that it will last longer and will not be willing to pay the extra cost. Consumer decisions also depend on what consumers are actually looking for in a product.

 Consumers typically get tired of driving the same car for many years and want to buy new cars fairly often. This tendency forces producers to keep costs low enough to allow low enough prices for people to buy cars often. People don’t want cars to last forever. In conclusion, producers are in the situation that they re in due to external forces from the consumers. Producers must compete and they have found the best way satisfy the majority of the consumers.