byRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams
Reading Passage Question
Research data indicate that there is a great deal of poverty in the United States among single parent families headed by women. This problem could result from the fact that women’s wages are only 60 percent of men’s. Some economists believe that rigorous enforcement of existing equal pay laws would substantially decrease this wage inequity. But equal pay laws are ineffectual when women and men are concentrated in different occupations because such laws require only that women and men doing the same jobs be paid the same. Since gender concentration exists (for example, 80 percent of clerical workers are women), other economists argue that a comparable worth standard, which would mandate that women and men in any jobs that require comparable training and responsibility be paid the same, should be applied instead. But some policy analysts assert that, although comparable worth would virtually equalize male and female wages, many single parent families headed by women would remain in poverty because many men earn wages that are below the poverty line. These policy analysts believe that the problem is not caused primarily by wage inequity but rather by low wages coupled with single parent hood, regardless of sex. As a solution, they challenge the government’s assumption that a family’s income should depend primarily on wages and urge the government to provide generous wage supplements (child and housing allowances) to single parents whose wages are low.
“Research data indicate that there is a great deal of poverty in the United States” - is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The reading comprehension in GMAT basically tests your skills related to reading, understanding, and analyzing the concepts. The reading comprehension of the GMAT consists of three questions each. The purpose of reading comprehension is to evaluate abilities and values. Every question has five options. The candidate has to select one option out of the five which is most suitable. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.
Solution and Explanation
- The passage suggests that the United States government’s policy toward providing wage supplements to parents whose wages are low is
(A) considered ill advised by most economists who have studied the issue
(B) based on assumptions about the appropriate sources of family income
(C) under revision in response to criticism from some policy analysts
( D) capable of eliminating wage inequality but not of raising incomes for both women and men
(E ) applicable to single-parent families headed by women but not to single-parent families headed by men
Answer: B
Explanation: The question is asking about the United State Government's policy. The policy provides wages to parents whose wages are low and this is based on the appropriate source of income for the family. The wages will be provided on the basis of assumptions of the family income. Since option B reflects the correct information, option B is the right answer.
- Which of the following is most clearly an example of the policy advocated by the policy analysts mentioned in line 8 ?
( A) A government provides training to women who wish to move out of occupations in which women are concentrated.
(B) A government supports research that analyzes the connection between wage inequality and poverty among single-parent families headed by women.
(C) A government surveys wages annually to make certain that women and men in the same jobs receive the same pay.
(D ) A government analyzes jobs in terms of the education and responsibility they require and publishes a list of jobs that should be considered equivalent for wage purposes.
(E) A government provides large rent subsidies to single parents whose wages are less than half the average worker’s wage.
Answer: E
Explanation: The most appropriate option is E since it shows the correct usage of policy. As per option E, the government will provide subsidies for large rent. These subsidies are provided to those who are single parents and their income is less. The policy by the government deals with subsidies. These are largely concerned with the single parent who has to pay higher rents.
- According to the passage, some economists believe that, in the United States, there would be smaller differences between the wages of women and men who do the same jobs if :
(A) equal pay laws were enforced more fully
(B ) more stringent equal pay laws were passed
(C) a more rigorous comparable worth standard was developed and applied
(D) more men entered the occupations in which women are concentrated
( E) women received the same kind and amount of job training that men receive
Answer: A
Explanation: As per option A, in case the equal pay laws were established more carefully then certain differences will come down. The difference between wages for men and women will narrow down and this can happen with the help of appropriate laws and policy. The correct option is A as it is more relevant as compared to other options.
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