frmichelin1-8, Exercise 2: Assessing an insider's claim

Model answer, using the 2004 book by a former inspector (check the details):

The claim: the guide had too few inspectors, and some restaurants were visited rarely, so the ratings were less reliable than the company said.

Source: a former employee who was dismissed. Possible strengths: first-hand knowledge. Possible weaknesses: a dispute with the employer may give a motive, and one person's view may not be typical.

Evidence: the book itself gives the author's account; the company has not published the number of inspectors, so the figures cannot be checked from outside. Press coverage at the time reported both sides (check).

The guide's reply: the company disputed the account and said its inspectors visit regularly (check).

Assessment: the claim is plausible but not proved. What would help is an independent audit, or several former inspectors giving consistent accounts, or published numbers.

Verdict wording: "A former inspector alleged that ...; the company disputed this."

Care: do not state the allegation as established fact and do not dismiss it because of the author's dismissal.