Laziness blocks my way; Business cannot be an excuse

Although this blog was started to achieve GMAT score at some certain level for my MBA degree, it has been almost a month any new post comes up.  I need to improve time management first, even before GMAT and English.

Reporting about my recent life; I am transferred to a new department where I become a sales person with some electronic devices and equipments.  The first mission, which allegedly starts on October, is going to proceed claims and complaints coming from customers due to technical failure, measurement defect, and damaged appearance.  Yet it is not an international position.  Mostly, I boost sales activity to domestic companies. Oh my god, hope I don't need to be a typical old sales person who needs to keep accompanied with customers as if I am like a slave of them.

Along with this transfer, I will move to Tokyo to live in.  Who is NOT happy to come to Tokyo? It's me!! I'm not interested in such a huge city where people are crowded, train is full, and traffic is heavy. But anyway, my life starts in one of the biggest city in this earth.

ALL I NEED IS TIME TO STUDY. OTHERWISE, I FAIL MY LIFE PLAN! BE STRONG!

It is no longer cost-effective for the Perks Company to continue offering its employees a generous package of benefits and incentives year after year.

Argument;

It is no longer cost-effective for the Perks Company to continue offering its employees a generous package of benefits and incentives year after year.  In periods when national unemployment rates are low, Perks may need to offer such a package in order to attract and keep good employees, but since national unemployment rates are now high, Perks does not need to offer the same benefits and incentives.  The money thus saved could be better used to replace the existing plant machinery with more technologically sophisticated equipment, or even to build an additional plant. 

Answer; 

The argument that Perks Company should stop generous benefit package for its employees and purchase technologically developed equipment omits some significant factors that must be addressed.  Those critical failures on assumptions crucially make this argument weakened.  There are three main points to be tackled with this problem. 

Primarily, the author's conclusion is based on the idea that a more sophisticated plant machine progresses Perks Company.  However, the argument does not mention about productivity of each plant of existing one and new one.  Whenever a new facility is installed, productivity and cost-effectiveness must be analyzed because it is possible that existing equipment, even if it is old, works enough to cover requirement that Perks Company needs.  New equipment even takes employees in Perks Company some time to get used to its operation; therefore productivity in entire of Perks Company gets decreased.  Why the existing plant needs to be replaced is not specified. 

Another issue ignored by the author is actual national unemployment rates.  Although the argument says that welfare package Perks Company offers to its employees should be adjusted, or even canceled when unemployment rates are low, along with fluctuation of national unemployment rates, at what rates can be benchmarks to determine when to adjust welfare package.  Foe example, if current unemployment rates are at 5.5% while it was just 5% a month ago, what decision does Perks Company make?  Is 0.5% difference big enough to see the situation as a good opportunity to hire highly skilled employees?  The author must explain what percentage of national unemployment rates is recognized high, or low. 

Finally, the assumption that Perks Company can employ employees with high skills at where national unemployment rates are high is not the case.  For example, those graduates from Harvard or Stanford are usually still employed in the recession, or even some of them run their own company instead of being an employee.  Besides, preference of treatment including salary and benefits are different among each employee.  Some workers may want to have incentive upon his sales record while others may ask for stable salary and adequate benefit package.  Since unemployment rates are high, it is not sure that Perks Company can hire highly educated employees who usually go to a bigger or more famous company. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not convincing.  More information is needed in order to better evaluate validity of the author's claim.  To begin with, need of replacement of the plant equipment is not specified enough to determine the new one is going to be better.  Also, benchmarks of unemployment rates must be defined to decide when is the good timing to try hiring highly profiled employees.  Finally, the author must takes tendency of highly skilled employees' preference to get hired such as salary or benefits.  Before any conclusion is made, every possible factor must be analyzed.

A recent review of the West Cambria volunteer ambulance service revealed a longer average response time to accident than was reported by a commercial ambulance squad located in East Cambria.

Argument;

A recent review of the West Cambria volunteer ambulance service revealed a longer average response time to accident than was reported by a commercial ambulance squad located in East Cambria.  In order to provide better patient care for accident victims and to raise revenue for our town by collecting service fees for ambulance use, we should disband our volunteer service and hire a commercial ambulance service. 

Answer; 

The argument that West Cambria should apply commercial ambulance service as East Cambria does because of quicker response omits several important factors that must be addressed.  Those critical flaws make the argument less convincing.  There are three main points to be tackled with this problem. 

To begin with, the author's conclusion is based on a false assumption that West and East Cambria have similar, or same, geographic and traffic conditions.  Comparison of response time shows that East Cambria has faster action than West Cambria does.  It does not necessarily means West Cambria ambulance service works worse.  For example, if West Cambria is suffered from heavy traffic more frequently than East Cambria, ambulance cars also will be stuck on a street.  Or East Cambria might be a smaller region than West Cambria.  To contrast response time of each, comparison of geographic and traffic conditions must be explained. 

Another issue overlooked by the argument is difference of response time between West Cambria and East Cambria.  The author concludes that West Cambria should follow the way East Cambria does in ambulance service in order to provide faster service.  However, there is no specific data indicating how slow West Cambria moves.  Just difference of a minute or two sometimes is not necessarily criticized.  

Finally, an assumption in the argument that the number of those who call ambulance is going to be stable even if West Cambria starts commercial ambulance service. Generally speaking, medical service including ambulance is so expensive that some families cannot afford at all.  As a result, some patients in those families easily can be fatal or dead with illness or wound that could be treated well if ambulance is affordable.  Commercial ambulance keeps many families away from calling up even when really needed. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not well convincing. More information is needed in order to better evaluate the author's claim.  Primarily, geography and traffic of both cities must be analyzed.  Also, difference of response time is needed to show validity to begin commercial ambulance in West Cambria.  Finally, the author must assess whether ambulance service will be unaffordable even if volunteer ambulance service is transformed into commercial one.  Before any conclusion is made, all factors must be carefully evaluated.

Studies suggest that an average coffee drinker’s consumption of coffee increases with age, from age 10 through age 60.

Argument;

Studies suggest that an average coffee drinker’s consumption of coffee increases with age, from age 10 through age 60.  Even after age 60, coffee consumption remains high.  The average cola drinker’s consumption of cola, however, declines with increasing age.  Both of these trends have remained stable for the past 40 yeas.  Given that the number older adults will significantly increase as the population ages over the next 20 years, it follows that the demand for coffee will increase and the demand for cola will decrease during this period.  We should, therefore, consider transferring our investments from Cola Loca to Early Bird Coffee. 

Answer;

The statement that investments on Cola Loca will be flown into Early Bird Coffee because of elderly populated society coming up in the next 20 years omits several important assumptions that must be addressed.  Those critical flaws make the author's conclusion invalid. 

Primarily, the argument is based on false statistical analysis.  The author notes that as people get older, coffee consumption increases.  On the other hand, elder consumers less consume cola.  However, there is nothing defining what proportion of each of who drinks coffee and cola.  For example, it is possible that just 5% of people prefer coffee to cola at the age 20 and 10% of them drink coffee more frequently than cola at the age 60.  Without proportion of each preference, at what age or when cola excesses coffee cannot be specified.  As a result, investors would hesitate make investment on coffee. 

Another assumption ignored by the statement is that population can be varied by many reasons.  Every generation gets older with varied number of population of the same ages.  For example, someone might have one hundred people with the same age at the age 25 but, when 60, the population of same generation could be declined because some of them could have had a fatal illness, which elders are more likely to get, or others could have just moved out to another city.  The older people get, the more they would disappear.  Thus, the idea that consumption of cola will gets over that of coffee in near future as population get older is not convincing.  Even if elder population increase, cola still could keep the most consumption. 

Finally, the author does not take economic situation into account.   These days, coffee beans get more expensive than before.  Many coffee shops put their additional charges on their customers in order to cover higher costs.  However, getting price higher without developing anything can trigger decline of customers.  The fewer customers, the less revenue and profit Early Bird Coffee has.  Investment plunges when a company has smaller profit. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not convincing.  In order to better evaluate the author's claim, more information would be needed.  To begin with, more statistical data needs to be provided.  Also, the population of targeted market is crucial to assess break-even point, the significant figure for investors.  Finally, the author must consider that economy and price of commodities fluctuates because any major fluctuation on either of both affect consumption.  Before any conclusion is made, every possibility must be studied.

As overall life expectancy continues to rise, the population of our country is growing increasingly order.

Argument;

As overall life expectancy continues to rise, the population of our country is growing increasingly order.  For example. more than 20 percent of the residents of one of our more populated regions are now at least 65 years old, and occupancy rates at resort hotels in that region declined significantly during the past six months.  Because of these two related trends, a prudent investor would be well advised to sell interest in hotels and invest in hospitals and nursing homes instead. 

Answer; 

The argument that investment in hospitals and nursing facilities are more recommended than hotels due to risen rate of silver citizens omits some important assumptions must be addressed.  There are three points to be discussed. 

To begin with, the number of those who are elder than 65 year old are excess 20 percent of entire population is not enough to advise different investment other than hotels.  Who decides 20 percent shows the country is too old?  For example, if more than 50 percent is younger than 30 years old while more than 20 percent is elder than 65 years old, the country is classified as a young populated nation.  In addition, younger population is usually expected to boost economy as their salary goes up along with their career.  The author must explain about proportion of other generations. 

Another assumption ignored by the statement is forecast of the country.  Is the population over 65 years old still increasing?  What is life expectancy rate at birth?  Those data could help to assess the future situation of the country.  If population more than 65 years old starts going downward, hospitals and nursing houses are going to be less valuable and useful.  Instead, hotels and resort facilities are going to be popular among young families. 

Finally, why usage of the hotels is decreasing is not well specified.  Generally speaking, there are various causes damage reputation of a resort are; for instance, severe weather condition or economic depression.  Moreover, the country could promote its resort area toward the world so more people will be interested in visiting there if the promotion is successful.  Just elderly populated society is not enough to be a cause of less hotel occupation rate. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not convincing.  In order to better evaluate the author's claim, more information is needed.  Firstly, readers need to know the proportion of other generations in the country.  Also, forecast of the country must be discussed to assess investment in hotels.  Finally, other possible causes of less hotel occupation at resort area are not well considered.  Before any conclusion is made, the author must evaluate all aspects of the argument.

Many farmers who invested in the equipment needed to make the switch from synthetic to organic fertilizers and pesticides feel that it would be too expensive to resume synthetic farming at this point.

Argument; 

Many farmers who invested in the equipment needed to make the switch from synthetic to organic fertilizers and pesticides feel that it would be too expensive to resume synthetic farming at this point.  But studies of farmers who switched to organic farming last year indicate that their current crop yields are lower.  Hence their purchase of organic farming equipment, a relatively minor investment compared to the losses that would result from continued lower crop yields, cannot justify persisting on an unwise course.  And the choice to farm organically is financially unwise, given that it was motivated by environment rather than economic concerns. 

Answer;  

The argument that organic farming farmers invested in decreases crop yields omits some important concerns that must be addressed in order to assess the validity of this argument. 

Primarily, the author does not specify how much more expensive to purchase organic fertilizers and pesticides than synthetic ones.  According to the argument, going back to synthetic farming costs too much.  If the difference of investment, however, between synthetic and organic pesticides were just a small amount of money, it wouldn't be too expensive.  Without specific figures, readers cannot assess whether the investment is too expensive or not. 

Another factor ignored by the argument is crop yield.  As well as the first issue, the author must clarify how much lower crop yields get since organic farming is applied in order to measure return on investment in switch from synthetic fertilizers.  While the argument says that investment in organic farming is relative minor compared to the losses of crop yields, there is no way to know how much lower crop yields are. 

Also, organic pesticides and fertilizers are pointed as causes of lower yields.  That is not the case.  Various factors fluctuate agricultural harvest; for example, this year when farmers start organic fertilizers might suffer from severe weather such as drought or heavy rain.  Unless other conditions are assessed, it is too early to determine that organic farming triggered lower crop yields. 

Finally, this argument is not convincing because of unclear number of farmers to be assessed.  The author mentions about many farmers who invested in organic farming.  However, specific number of farmers the author asked must be mentioned, otherwise, it is too objective to claim a statement.  Subjective specific numbers must be shown to be convincing as an argument. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not convincing.  In order to better evaluate the author's claim, more information is needed.  To begin with, the amount of investment in organic farming must be specified.  Also, the author needs to show how much lower crop yields got compared to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.  Additionally, other possible factors caused lower crop yields must be considered.  Finally, the condition of this assessment is not clear.  How many farmers are subjected to this research?  Before any conclusion is made, all possibilities must be discussed.

Commuter use of the new subway train is exceeding the transit of the company’s projection.

Argument; 

Commuter use of the new subway train is exceeding the transit of the company’s projection.  However, commuter use of the shuttle buses that transport people to subway stations is below projected volume.  If the transit company expects commuters to ride the shuttle buses to the subway rather than drive there, it must either reduce the shuttle bus fares or increase the price of parking at the subway stations. 

Answer; 

The argument that the bus company needs either cheaper fares for the shuttle bus or more expensive price for parking at the subway stations omits some important concerns that must be addressed in order to assess the validity of this argument. 

Primarily, the author's conclusion does not have enough consideration about punctuality of the bus.  Commuters are usually very careful to be on time because late appearance could lead them to penalty such as deducted payment.  Although the author argues that the shuttle bus should ask smaller fares to customers to reach projected level of transition, no one would take a bus unless it is very punctual.  For example, streets in this city may always suffer from heavy traffic; therefore commuters cannot arrive subway stations on time.  The more assured to be punctual the shuttle buses are to carry commuters to subway trains without delay, the more commuters take a bus.  It is not only a matter of fare or price of parking. 

Another issue ignored by the statement is comfort.  Most commuters want to be relaxed even for a short period of time during their commute.  The shuttle buses might be uncomfortable even just to commute to subway stations from homes.  Who would like to ride an old, dirty, and uncomfortable bus in the morning?  Or drivers driving the shuttles buses might not have a good skill at drive.  Uncomfortable commute consumes energy of workers even in the morning.  Business people would rather save their power with more comfortable transpiration.  

Finally, the author omits location of bus stops and subway stations.  Those who live near a subway station do not take a bus for commute to a station because they could, instead, walk or ride a bicycle.  In fact, many Japanese commuters have a bicycle or walk to a station in order to save transportation fees and even be environment-friendly.  Similarly, those who live far from a bus stop would take another way to get to a station than the shuttle bus, for example, drive or taxi.  Walking a long distance in the morning is hard for some people; therefore, they might take another way to go to a station if the closest bus stop is far enough not to walk. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not convincing.  In order to better evaluate the author's claims, more information is needed.  To begin with, timetable of the shuttle bus should be clarified.  Commuters cannot be late at their office.  Whether the shuttle buses run on time is a crucial factor to be chosen as a convenient commute.  Also, comfort of the shuttle buses needs to be considered because everyone wants a comfortable transportation.  Finally, physical availability of the bus is a matter.  Bus stops should be close enough to commuter's home; otherwise, they would drive to a station.  Before any conclusion is made, every factor must be discussed.

As violence in movies increases, so do crime rates in our cities

Argument;

As violence in movies increases, so do crime rates in our cities.  To combat this problem we must establish a board to censor certain movies, or we must limit admission to persons over 21 years of age.  Apparently our legislators are not concerned about this issue since a bill calling for such actions recently failed to receive a majority vote. 

Answer;  

The argument that legislators in the cites are not worried about recent high crime rates possibly due to violent movies omits some important factors that must be addressed in order t assess the validity of this argument. 

Most conspicuously, the author bases the conclusion on that violence in movies triggers more crimes in the cities.  The editorial specifically points out violent movies are causes.  However, there are much more various aspects that increase crimes in cities, for example, economy, quality of police service, and education.  Perhaps, economy has gotten in a depression recently where many citizens lose their job.  Generally speaking, crime rates get higher under severe economy situation because some citizens who lose their job are desperate for their foods, living supplies, and money; therefore, they have more tendencies to commit robbery and theft.  Causes of higher crime rates are not only violent movies but also other aspects of the cities. 

Another issue ignore by the author is statistical inaccuracy.  The argument states that as violence in movies increases, the cities have more crimes.  To support this enough to be convincing, comparison data showing how much violence has been increased from a certain time to present is needed.  It is illogical to claim that there are more violent scenes, possibly triggering more crimes, than before without specific figures.  If crime rates were at the same level as present although there were less violent movies, it is clear that there is no correlation between violent movies and higher crime rates. 

Finally, the author also omits detail of political debate among the vote for a bill to legislate violence in movies.  All bills are discussed very well before votes.  Some politicians might believe that there are other causes of recent higher crime rates.  Others might try to resolve crime issues by economic approach such as more social welfare provided.  The author just states that legislators denied a bill to restrict violence in movies because of no concern. 

In conclusion, the argument in current form is not convincing.  In order to better evaluate the author's claim, more information would be needed.  To begin with, different aspects of cities other than movies must be analyzed.  Furthermore, the author must have clearer subjective statistic data of violence in movies and crime rates.  To consider the number increased or decreased, specific data is always needed.  Finally, debates among legislators also must be considered.  The author cannot determine that a bill was avoided because legislators were not interested in it.  Before any conclusion is made, all factors must be considered.

We have learned from an employee of Windfall, Ltd., that its accounting department, by checking about 10 percent of the last month’s purchasing invoices for errors and inconsistencies, saved the company some $10,000 in overpayments.

Argument: 

We have learned from an employee of Windfall, Ltd., that its accounting department, by checking about 10 percent of the last month’s purchasing invoices for errors and inconsistencies, saved the company some $10,000 in overpayments.  In order to help our clients increase their net gains, we should advise each of them to institute a policy of checking all purchasing invoices for errors.  Such a recommendation could also help us get the Windfall account by demonstrating to Windfall the rigorousness of our methods. 

Answer:

The argument that Windfall Ltd., should advice their clients to review invoices so that more profits will be generated omits some important concerns that must be addressed in order to assess the validity of this argument. 

Most importantly, the author bases his conclusion on the example of Windfall Ltd.  The argument presents a premise that Windfall found out 10% of their invoices had errors that led Windfall to pay additional payments of $10,000.  However, it is doubtful that other companies, including Windfall's accounts, find as much overpayment as Windfall did because most companies have systems to check invoices very carefully.  Rather, some companies could even find out they have paid less than their invoices.  Double-checking of invoices does not assure more profits. 

Another issue ignored by the argument is statistical condition.  Although the author checked 10 percent of invoices at Windfall, there is no clear indication whether it is 10% out of 10 invoices or 100 invoices.  10% of 10 invoices is just one that might have as a big miscalculation as $10,000.  If there is one invoice contains an error, it could be just a mistake.  On contrast, double check will be needed if there are 10% of 100 invoices found out with wrong figures because errors are repeatedly happened.  The author must show clear explanations to make the argument more convincing. 

Finally, the argument does not take disadvantages of double-checking of invoices into account.  Drawing out invoices and re-check all of them take a long time that makes other operations slower and, as a result, more employees would be hired.  Slower process irritates clients and eventually taken away.  The more staffs a company gets hired, the more salaries, of course, have to be paid, which eat up profits.  Lack of explanation about demerits lessens credibility of the argument. 

In conclusion, the argument is not enough convincing in its current form.  In order to better evaluate the author's claim, more information would be needed.  To begin with, the author must evaluate some examples in other companies about accuracy of invoices.  Furthermore, it must be shown under what conditions Windfall checked their invoices.  Finally, the argument must consider disadvantages caused by double-checking such as slower operation and more costs.  Before any conclusion is maid, every possible aspect must be considered.

City L was listed 14th in an annual survey that ranks cities according to the quality of life that can be enjoyed by those living in them.

Argument:

Two year ago, City L was listed 14th in an annual survey that ranks cities according to the quality of life that can be enjoyed by those living in them.  This information will enable people who are moving to the state in which City L is located confidently identify one place, at least, where schools are good, housing is affordable, people are friendly, the environment is safe, and the arts flourish.  

Question:

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and use the evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refuse the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. 

Answer:

This statement argues that City L is preferred to live in because of an annual survey about the qulity of life ranks City L at 14th.  Good schools, affordable housing expense, fiendliness, safety, and artistic environment are basis of the argument.  However, there are false assumotions that lessen credibility of the statement.

The first issue to be addressed is the condition of survey.  Every survey must show its condition including the number of answers given back, what type of people answered, and what questions are asked.  Since the author does not mention about detail of the survey, this statement leads readers to misunderstand the credibility and transparanvy of the research.  Therefore, the ranking is inconvincing.  

Also, this statement is not trustworthy because there are just five aspects of the quality of life mentioned while people consider much more to decide where to live.  For example, eldery citizens care about availability of medical services to move in.  Business people may think of economy of City L.  However, the author just explained about schools, housing, friendliness, safety, and flourished arts.  More factors must be take into account to determine the quality of life.  

Finally, the rank of City L itself is problematic.  Readers cannot know out of how many cities CIty L is ranked at 14th.  If there are five hundreds of cities, 14th must be honorable.  On the other hand, if the survey just targetted fifteen cities, ranked at 14th is miserable.  Without known the value of ranking, City L is not honored as a good place to live in.  

While it may seem true that City L is identified as a good city to live in due to the survey about the quality of life, there are critical flaws on the assumptions.  The author must show more details about conditions of the survey, all aspects determining the quality of life, and the number of ranks.  Without those explanations, the statement is not convincing enough.  

improved customer service is the best way for us to differentiate ourselves from competitors and attract new customers.

Arguement:

“We believe that improved customer service is the best way for us to differentiate ourselves from competitors and attract new customers.  We can offer our customers better service by reducing waiting time in teller lines from an average of six minutes to an average of three.  By opening business at 8:30 instead of 9:00, and by remaining open for an additional hour beyond our current closing time, we will be better able to accommodate the busy schedules of our customers.  These changes will enhance our bank’s image as the most customer-friendly bank in town and give us the edge over our competition.”

Question:

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and use the evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refuse the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. 

Answer:

The argument states that better customer service differentiates and makes the bank stronger among competition.  Shortening waiting time and longer operation hours are examples.  However, there are some flaws make the statement unreasonable.  

The first issue to be addressed is a premise that waiting time and operation hours are considered as customer service.  To be known as customer-friendly, faster service and more convenient operation hours are not enough.  As a bank, for example, friendly behavior to customers with a good manner is important because most customers go to a bank to see its consultants.  Imagine if a staff looks angry while the bank provides quick operation.  There are more aspects to be considered.  

Also, the author relies on the idea that customer service contributes the best to make the bank stronger over competition.  That is not the case.  Customers do not expect the bank to treat them nicely but to generate profits on their assets.  Customers will go away to another one if yield rate is very low No matter how friendly the bank is.  For instance, there is a phenomenon that many customers change their main bank to an internet banking corporation, where higher yield is available but no consultation service, from an ordinary bank, where friendly customer service is always available but low yield rate.  The author should not forget what the bank exists for.  

Finally, employee's motivation and working condition need to be considered.  This argument is based on the premise that staffs would provide as friendly customer service as the bank expects.  However, motivation towards work would be dramatically decreased if operation hour suddenly gets longer without additional welfare.  They will get tired more easily so that quality of service will be lower as well.  The author must analyze how to get all employees to follow a policy of customer-friendly service otherwise its service will get even worse.  

While it may seem true that better customer service is the most helpful to make the bank distinct over other banks, it is not enough convincing due to some critical false premises.  The author must consider all kinds of service the bank provides, products and yield of the bank, and its employees.  Before any conclusion is made, any possible case must be analyzed.

Twenty years ago, only half of the students who graduated from Einstein high school went on to attend a college or university.

Argument: 

Twenty years ago, only half of the students who graduated from Einstein high school went on to attend a college or university.  Today, two-thirds of the students who graduated from Einstein high school do so.  Clearly, Einstein has improved its educational effectiveness over the past two decades.  This improvement has occurred despite the fact that the school’s funding, when adjusted for inflation, is about the same as it was 20 years ago.  Therefore, we do not need to make any substantial increase in the school’s funding at this time.  

Question:

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and use the evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refuse the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. 

Answer: 

The statement argues that Einstein high school does not need to have bigger its funding because more students graduated from Einstein high school has been able to attend a college or university without funding raise.  This conclusion is made by a premise that quality of the education at Einstein high school has been improved.  However, some unreasonable assumptions lessen credibility of this statement.  

The first issue to be addressed is transition of the society.  Compared to this moment, there were more students who had to start working right after graduation from their high school twenty years ago.  That is, fewer students could enter a college or university after high school in the past.  On contrast, more students can afford their college now than two decades ago, by financial support from their family or various scholarship programs.   Therefore, increased number of students who attend a college is irrelevant to school funding.  

Also, the author's idea has lack of explanation about the number of students enrolled in Einstein high school.  That is a significant matter to this argument.  It is a big social problem that parents have fewer children than before.  In the past, many families had three or four children but, especially in developed countries, typical families have one or two children.  The more children a family has, the less affordability a family has for a college.  The author must account for social change in the number of children.  

Finally, requirement for college admission must be analyzed.  Since there are fewer children nowadays, a number of colleges and universities just might ease their requirement to enter.  For example, required GPA could be lower than before.  College is also business that has to generate profit from tuition fees so that consistent number of students must be enrolled.  

While it may seem true that Einstein high school does not need to raise the funding because of increased number of the students who went on to a college, some flaws in assumptions refuse it.  It is because there are other possible causes such as affordability of each student, fewer children in the society, and admission requirement.  This matter is not only with its school's funding.  Before any conclusion is made, the author must consider all aspects of the topic.