This sentence provides context by setting the stage for the argument in the stimulus. It introduces the idea of ranking workers, a practice some companies use, which the stimulus ultimately argues against.

This sentence provides context by explaining how the ranking system works. This explanation offers the background needed to understand the author’s argument that the ranking system is unfair to workers.

This answer choice accurately summarizes the argument’s main conclusion. The stimulus states that the ranking system is “not a fair way to determine” workers’ rewards and penalties, which directly restates the conclusion that the system is “unfair to workers.”

This states the argument’s first premise. The stimulus argues that the ranking system is unfair because it judges some workers more harshly than others. For instance, workers in a strong group are held to a higher standard than those compared to a group of weaker performers.

This answer addresses the argument’s second premise. The stimulus argues that the ranking system is unfair because it is subjective, allowing managers to favor employees who share their interests instead of evaluating based on relevant criteria like work ethic or contribution.