Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage/argument and answer the question that follows it.

Many social scientists believe that affirmative action is a good way to improve the socio-economic status of disadvantaged groups in the society. Based on their recommendation, the Arizona Governor has decided to put in place a system whereby every public and private organization would be mandated to recruit a minimum of 10% of all new recruits from these segments of society.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the social scientists' argument?

  1. The workforce participation rate of these disadvantaged groups has consistently fallen over the past 50 years.

  2. The disposable incomes of disadvantaged groups have not shown any rise across the past 50 years of economic history.

  3. Ever since the policy of having a 10% quota in jobs for disadvantaged groups has been launched in Alabama, there has been a marked improvement in the legally declared incomes of such people.

  4. The public and private organizations across Arizona believe that the policy will achieve its goals.

  5. There is an inverse relationship between one's urge for betterment in life and ease of getting a job.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option (1), in no way, strengthens the social scientists' logic as it only talks of the possible reason why the disadvantaged group need to be given job quotas. Option (2) is absolutely irrelevant as disposable income in their hands is not the focus of discussion. Option (4) is again wrong for it only indicates the organizations' belief about the policy but whether it actually leads to their improvement is still a moot point. Option (5) is quite vague and therefore, is ruled out. The correct answer choice C links the two variables i.e. quotas and socio-economic improvement, and is therefore, the best choice.

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