Question

    To boost workplace productivity, it is important to give

    employees longer working hours. The rationale is simple: more hours at work means more time to complete tasks, and thus more output. Therefore, companies that enforce extended working hours are bound to see improved productivity levels. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument?
    A Most companies have a standard working time of 8 hours. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Employees often work on multiple projects simultaneously. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Studies show that long working hours lead to employee burnout, reducing overall productivity. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Some companies allow employees to work from home. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Many employees prefer having flexible working hours. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The main argument claims that longer working hours will increase productivity. To weaken it, we need a statement that suggests this is not necessarily true, or that it could have negative consequences. Option A is a general fact and does not directly affect the argument. Option B talks about multitasking, which is unrelated to duration of work. Option C directly challenges the core idea: it says that longer hours can harm productivity due to burnout. This weakens the argument significantly. Option D is about working from home and does not relate to duration or productivity in this context. Option E is about preferences, not actual productivity outcomes.

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