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The correct answer is A.
The pattern is that when there is a large shape with an even number of sides, it is always white, and the number of small shapes is always odd. When there is a large shape with an odd number of sides, it is always black, and the number of small shapes is always even.

Answer A is the only answer that follows this pattern. In this answer, the large shape is a triangle that has 3 sides - an odd number of sides, and it is black. There are four small shapes - an even number.

Look at the key on the left of the chart - the US's profits are in blue and Europe's profits are in orange. Then look at the chart - the difference between the US and Europe is represented by the gap between the blue and orange bars of that year. Scan the chart according to the years listed in the answers and try to find the year in which the gap between the blue and orange bars is largest. The correct answer is (2) Year 2.

Tip: Notice that for every year, both profits have the same digit in the millions place, thus, you can estimate the difference between the US and Europe using only the digits in the hundred thousandth and the tens thousandth places. Note that a “difference” is defined as the absolute value.

Most Effective: B

Least Effective: C

Explanation: This item examines your understanding of the company structure and your ability to work under management, specifically to follow the chain of command and handle your relations with your superiors. The best response is one that balances your ability to work under management with your determination to achieve your goals—in this case, to advance your idea. 

Response A exhibits your understanding of the organisational structure and demonstrates your ability to work under management, specifically to follow the chain of command, as you stand by your superior's decision. This is not a bad choice. However, it shows a lack of determination and effort to achieve your goal, and hence a lack of achievement striving as you easily give up on your idea. 

Response B demonstrates achievement striving as you try to advance your idea forward. You present the advantages of your idea in an orderly fashion, using a rational argument, thus demonstrating good persuasion and motivation skills. You understand that if your manager keeps objecting, you must accept her position and follow her instructions. This response shows determination, on the one hand, and the ability to conform to the organisational structure and follow the chain of command, on the other. This therefore shows a balance between the two desirable competencies: working under management and achievement striving. 

Response C demonstrates conviction and determination. However, you completely ignore the organisational structure by going behind your manager's back, thus demonstrating your inability to work under management. Furthermore, if your manager is correct in this step being risky, your actions may have severe ramifications. This is an extremely negative choice reflecting poor judgement, defiance, and disloyalty towards your superior. 

Response D demonstrates achievement striving and is positive in the sense that you are determined to convince your manager that your idea is good for the organisation. However, this response shows poor social skills, specifically poor persuasion and motivation skills, as you don't conduct an open discussion with your manager. Rather, you try to coerce her into accepting your idea. 

The two positive responses are B and D. In both you demonstrate achievement striving by trying to advance your idea forward. Response C is better as you demonstrate persuasion and motivation skills using a rational and convincing argument, unlike response #4 which uses a slightly more aggressive approach.

The two negative responses are A and C. Although response #1 is a passive response, in this scenario response C is worse due to its potential ramifications and the fact that it disobeys the chain of command. 

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