Assess the following as probably true, as probably false, as requiring further documentation before judgment, or as a claim that cannot properly be evaluated. Consider both the nature of the claim and the source."The past year was a turbulent one. It was a year that began with record profits and sales. It was also a year in which we reported the first quarterly loss in Apple's history. We had to take swift action. We did. And it's working."-Apple Computer Inc., 1985 Annual Report

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Probably true. The remarks about profits, sales, and a quarterly loss are probably true; they are easily investigated. The remarks about taking swift action and that the actions taken are "working" are vague enough to be difficult to evaluate, although after the iPod and iPhone were introduced, it was clear that Apple was doing very well indeed.