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When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.
In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
  • a)
    The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.
  • b)
    The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.
  • c)
    The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.
  • d)
    The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.
  • e)
    The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of ...
Argument Analysis
 
Pre-Thinking
Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.
BF1: The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession.
BF2: The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted.
Both BF1 and BF2 present the author’s opinions. BF1 states an author’s position that recession is not the only reason behind the stated decline in the labour force participation rate of the under-25 population. This assertion is supported by the reasoning:
(i)  that the participation rate has been declining ever since it almost reached 70% in 1989 because of the rising rates of college attendance and
(ii) that other factors leading to the decline in the last three years have to be taken in to account as well; for example: the number of young people saying they are not motivated to find jobs and hence aren’t looking for any has been increasing.
As you can see, BF2 is part of the second reason stated above and is another opinion of the author that supports BF1. Since the author states 2 opinions –BF1 and BF2 and BF2 supports BF1, therefore, BF1 is the main conclusion of the argument.
Let’s combine BF2 with the next statement:
BF2 + Next Statement: The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last three years cannot be discounted. + The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.
BF2 is an author’s opinion and is supported by the statement following it, which talks about “discouraged” young people. This statement supports BF2 since it talks about one such “other factor”. Also, BF2 supports BF1, the main conclusion of the argument.
Therefore, BF1 is the main conclusion and BF2 is an intermediate conclusion that supports BF1.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.
Incorrect - Both parts wrong
BF1 is an opinion by the author and not a general opinion.  Also, as shown in our pre-thinking analysis, BF1 is the main conclusion presented by the author and therefore cannot be an opinion that he/she partially agrees to. BF2 does support BF1 but is another opinion of the author and not a fact.
B
The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.
Correct
Both BF portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking. BF1 is an opinion that is the main position taken by the argument (main conclusion).
BF 2 is an opinion used to support BF1 (main conclusion). Therefore, BF2 is an intermediate conclusion.
C
The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.
Incorrect - 1st part wrong
The first is an opinion of the author and not evidence (fact). BF1 doesn't support the main conclusion; it itself is the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 is an opinion by the author that supports the main conclusion.
D
The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.
Incorrect - 2nd part wrong
BF1 has been identified correctly as the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 doesn’t provide evidence that supports the intermediate conclusion. Instead, BF2 is the intermediate conclusion itself.
E
The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.
Incorrect - Both parts wrong
BF1 is not an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion. Instead, it is the main conclusion. BF2 is an opinion but not the main conclusion. Instead, it is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion, BF1.
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Question Description
When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. 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Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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Here you can find the meaning of When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. 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The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. 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The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.b)The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.c)The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.d)The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.e)The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.Correct answer is option 'B'. 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