Question

2

Read the paragraph from the section "What Are Some Signs Of An Impending Recession?"
Many economists monitor the number of people who seek unemployment benefits each week,
which indicates whether layoffs are worsening. Weekly applications for jobless aid, averaged ove
the past four weeks, are just below 250,000, the highest level since last November. Though that
is a potentially concerning sign, it is still a low level historically.
Which idea is BEST supported by this paragraph?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Jobless claims have risen but unemployment is still low overall, making it hard to determine whether
there is a recession.
Jobless claims have risen but unemployment is still low overall, clearly indicating the U.S. is entering a
recession.
Jobless claims are down and unemployment is up, clearly indicating that a recession is imminent.
Jobless claims are down and unemployment is up, making it difficult to determine if the U.S. is entering
a recession.

Answer 1

A. Jobless claims have risen but unemployment is still low overall, making it hard to determine whether there is a recession.

This idea is best supported by the paragraph because the paragraph states that weekly applications for jobless aid (also known as jobless claims) are just below 250,000, which is the highest level since last November, but also notes that this level is "still a low level historically." This suggests that while jobless claims have increased, overall unemployment levels remain low, which makes it difficult to determine whether the U.S. is entering a recession. The other options do not accurately summarize the information presented in the paragraph.