QUESTION TEXT: The introduction of mass production techniques in…
QUESTION TYPE: Complete the Argument
CONCLUSION: The introduction of mass production techniques was not universally beneficial for workers [predicted conclusion].
REASONING: Mass production techniques lowered prices, because manufacturers could hire fewer workers with less training. The lower prices allowed workers to purchase more than they could otherwise. But jobs with less training are more replaceable, so _____.
ANALYSIS: The stimulus starts by giving us some benefits to the introduction of mass production techniques – they lowered the skill floor for workers, they allow for fewer workers, and they lower prices, allowing people to buy more. But the stimulus next introduces a negative – workers are more replaceable. It seems that the author is trying to convey that the introduction of mass production techniques was a bit of a mixed bag for the common worker.
We should look for an answer that integrates the author’s positive and negative points in this way.
___________
- The author isn’t trying to compare purchasing power of skilled and unskilled workers. We don’t actually learn anything at all about skilled workers’ purchasing power.
- This may be true, but it’s outside the scope of the author’s point. The author hasn’t introduced a comparison of the effects on owners versus workers.
- There isn’t evidence to support this conclusion in the passage. It’s entirely possible that the highest paid, most skilled workers have job security.
- CORRECT. The mass production techniques have increased workers’ purchasing power, but decreased their job security.
- We don’t know anything about the amount of workers that can purchase goods produced by modern industrial techniques, let alone how that number is changing over time.
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