Explanation

Reading the question: we have boldface in this question, as we did in Local Bookstores. As we discussed in that question, boldface questions have a prompt that contains one or more arguments, a question stem that asks for the role of the boldfaced statements, and answer choices that are stated in general, logical terms. We'll build a filter by analyzing how the various sentences are related and then predicting a general, logical statement.

Creating a filter: The last sentence is definitely a conclusion. We look for other instances of opinion assertion. Starting with the beginning, we see that the tone is casual, but mostly we have fact and filler. The long boldfaced sentence is a prediction: "within the next year." Since it is about the future, it's an opinion, not a fact. In arguments, a phrase like, "without a doubt," tends to mean the opposite of its denotation--it's highlighting an opinion. So the first boldfaced sentence is an opinion about the future and the second one is the author's conclusion, drawn in part on the basis of that opinion. That's our prediction.

Applying the filter: Since the second part of our prediction is simpler, we eliminate answer choices based on that part first. On those grounds, choices (B), (D), and (E) are out, and (A) and (C) are left. Choice (A) matches our prediction for the first part and (C) does not. The correct answer is (A).