Question

"This graph reveals that Americans were paying

A) more for everyday items despite presidents' efforts to slow inflation
B) less for everyday items despite presidents' efforts to speed inflation
C) more for everyday items despite presidents' efforts to speed inflation
D) less for everyday items despite presidents' efforts to slow inflation
"

Answer 1

According to that graph I think that it's obviously A) more for everyday items despite presidents' efforts to slow inflation. Other options don't fit to be right ones.

Answer 2

Option A) more for everyday items despite president's efforts to slow inflation.

Inflation is the increase of the price index, which is exactly what the graph shows: price index are increasing since 1960.

And given the use of the word despite, the only logical continuation of the sentence is that it is opposed to the efforts of the president.