Cash-strapped American cities are finding it harder to maintain social

Question

Cash-strapped American cities are finding it harder to maintain social services that their citizens and civic leaders alike once took for granted. Population explosions, compounded by the flight of affluent taxpayers to the suburbs, have drained urban resources and forced many cities to make difficult, often painful, choices. Public hospitals, a boon to the poor instituted in great part by Americans and still a distinguishing feature of the American medical industry, are among those institutions under threat of the budgetary ax. Hospitals are as expensive to run as medical care is costly to the consumer. The return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits. Many in government are looking to another American institution, the free-enterprise system, for succor. The privatization of public hospitals is becoming a popular alternative to propping up struggling taxpayer-supported hospitals. hospitals are not the only urban institutions under fire. Schools—long the targets of criticism and in palpable decline in most American cities—also drain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide. Complete privatization of schools is probably not on the horizon (public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times), but many different uses of government education resources are under serious consideration. The first is school autonomy, which consists of breaking the links within school systems and permitting individual schools to draw up their own budgets. Another solution is the so-called voucher system.” Under a voucher system, cities would provide tuition credit to individual students, who would then attend whichever school they wished, public or private. Presumably, better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today.
 
While privatization has succeeded in the manufacturing sector, many critics point out that while privatizing a phone company may produce dramatic financial benefits, doing the same with hospitals or schools may hurt more people than it helps. They worry that the poor and uninsured will no longer have a reliable source of health care as private hospitals turn away those who cannot pay. Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs. Advocates respond to such criticism by pointing out that an efficient, private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers.    1 
 1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks
B. is an essential public service
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run
E. dates far back in American history

2 
 2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.
B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.
D. The increase in private hospitals.
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.

3 
 3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child.
B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school.
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system.
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.
E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided.

4 
 4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities

RC Butler Competition 2021  -  Participate and Win!   
Passage # 14 Date: 11-Jan-2021
 This question is a part of RC Butler Competition 2021 .  Click here for Details

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

Explanation

The phrase it can be inferred in the question stem indicates this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is the American public school system. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times.

Choice A: No.  While this choice may be attractive due to the reference to taxpayers, the word crippling is too extreme to be supported. The passage states that schools…also drain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide, but does not indicate that this presents a crippling loss.

Choice B: No.  While the reference to education as essential may seem to be supported due to outside knowledge, this choice is a reversal. The passage states that many different uses of government education resources are under serious consideration, indicating that public education is not viewed as essential.

Choice C: No.  This choice may seem attractive due to the recycled phrase voucher system, but the word eventually is too extreme to be supported. The passage refers to the voucher system as another solution, which does not indicate that the voucher system is inevitable.

Choice D: No.  While the recycled phrase public hospitals may make this choice tempting, the passage provides no such comparison between the way that each system is run. Instead, the passage discusses the difference between privatizing companies and privatizing either hospitals or schools. According to the passage, many critics point out that while privatizing a phone company may produce dramatic financial benefits, doing the same with hospitals or schools may hurt more people than it helps.

Choice E:  Correct.   The passage states that public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times. This indicates that the American public school system dates far back in American history.

The correct answer is choice E.

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

Explanation

The phrase according to the passage indicates that this is a retrieval question. The task of the question is indicated by the phrase which of the following has contributed. The subject of the question is the decline of public hospitals. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, the return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits.

Choice A:  Correct.   The passage states that the return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits. This indicates that a newly-developed amount of disease has contributed to the decline of public hospitals.

Choice B: No.  Though the passage does state that public hospitals are…under threat of the budgetary ax, the word unwillingness is too extreme to be supported. The threat of a budget reduction does not indicate that governments will not pay for larger hospital budgets while working to find a solution.

Choice C: No.  While this choice may seem tempting due to the recycled word taxpayers, this choice is a memory trap. The passage hints at the possibility that taxpayers are unhappy by referring to struggling taxpayer-supported hospitals, but this phrase does not indicate any supportable objections.

Choice D: No.  This choice may seem tempting, since the passage refers to privatization as a popular alternative. However, this choice is a reversal, since private hospitals are an effect of public hospitals’ decline, not a cause.

Choice E: No.  This choice may seem appealing, due to the recycled words population and taxpayers, but this choice is a reversal. Affluent taxpayers are leaving urban environments, creating a population decline.

The correct answer is choice A.

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?

Explanation

The phrase according to the passage indicates that this is a retrieval question. The task of the question is indicated by the phrase which of the following problems. The subject of the question is the privatization of the school system. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs.

Choice A:  Correct.   The passage states that Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs. This indicates the parents’ concern that they may not be able to choose a good school for their child.

Choice B: No.  While the passage does note that Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs, the word reputable is too extreme to be supported. While outside knowledge may indicate that a selective school would also be reputable, this connection isn’t made by the passage.

Choice C: No.  The choice may seem appealing because it mentions a potential concern that could be an effect of a budget shortfall. A shortage of public money is the topic of the passage, when it states that schools…also drain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide. However, the word force is too extreme to be support. The passage does not provide any indication that government would need to close schools.

Choice D: No.  The choice may seem appealing due to the memorable word autonomous, since the passage states that school autonomy, which consists of breaking the links within school systems is under consideration. However, the phrase would not be able to share resources is too extreme to be supported. The nature of the links between schools is not provided by the passage, so schools may still be able to share resources in a privatized system if they chose to do so.

Choice E: No.  This choice may seem tempting, due to the phrases turn away those who cannot pay and substandard programs in the passage. However, this choice is a memory trap. The reference to those who cannot pay refers to hospitals, not schools, and the substandard programs are not indicated to be a result of concern with making a profit.

The correct answer is choice A.

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

Explanation

The words according to the passage indicates that this is a retrieval question. Also, the word EXCEPT indicates that this is an EXCEPT/NOT/LEAST question. The task of the question is indicated by the phrase according to the passage, all of the following…EXCEPT. The subject of the question is arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject, and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which can be supported by the text. While evaluating the answer choices, watch for recycled language.

According to the passage, hospitals are as expensive to run as medical care is costly to the consumer, schools…also drain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide, many different uses of government education resources are under serious consideration, and presumably, better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today. Additionally, many critics point out that…privatizing a phone company may produce dramatic financial benefits, and advocates respond to such criticism by pointing out that an efficient, private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers.

Choice A:  Correct.   This choice may look attractive due to the phrases enormous expense, private institution, and public institution, but is a reversal. The question focuses on the privatization of public hospitals, not making a private institution into a public one.

Choice B: No.  The passage states that presumably, better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today. This indicates the belief that privatization fosters competition.

Choice C: No.  The passage states that hospitals are as expensive to run as medical care is costly to the consumer. Furthermore, it states that schools…also drain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide. This indicates that the author believes that the expense of public institutions is an argument for privatization

Choice D: No.  The passage addresses objections to privatization by stating that privatization’s advocates   out that an efficient, private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers. This indicates that the author believes that the poor would benefit from privatization.

Choice E: No.  The passage states that many critics point out that…privatizing a phone company may produce dramatic financial benefits. Since a phone company is a utility, this indicates that the author believes that the success of the privatization of public utilities favors privatization.

The correct answer is choice A.

Vie3nrose · Answer

Question 1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks
 INCORRECT   -- "Schools... also drain as much as a billion dollars from  municipal treasuries  nationwide" not necessarily draining the taxpayer directly, but the pool of money that taxpayers pay into
 
B. is an essential public service
 INCORRECT   -- The passage doesn't state that schools are an essential public service. In fact, it goes on to describe some alternatives to public schools and reasons why advocates prefer it
 
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system
 INCORRECT   -- The passage just mentions that voucher systems are under consideration, not as an eventuality ("many different uses of government education resources are under serious consideration... Another solution is the so-called voucher system"). The author also mentions that "Complete privatization of schools is probably not on the horizon", so it's unlikely that the voucher system will "supplant" public schools.
 
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run
 INCORRECT   -- The passage mentions that schools are under fire the same way that hospitals are (not that they are run the same way)
 
E. dates far back in American history
 CORRECT   -- PG1 "public schools have been a part of American life  since colonial times " (fair to infer that they date far back)

Question 2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?
 
A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.
 CORRECT   -- PG1 "The return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits"
 
B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.
 INCORRECT  -- The passage implies not that the government is unwilling to expand their healthcare budget, but that they're unable to ("Population explosions, compounded by the flight of affluent taxpayers to the suburbs, have drained urban resources and  forced many cities to make difficult, often painful, choices ")
 
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.
 INCORRECT   -- Although the passage mentions that "Hospitals are as expensive to run as  medical care is costly to the consumer ", there is no mention of taxpayer objections contributing to their decline
 
D. The increase in private hospitals.
 INCORRECT   -- Private hospitals are positioned as a solution/alternative to the problem of declining public hospitals, not as the cause of it
 
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.
 INCORRECT   -- A general increase in population is raised as a cause of the decline, not an increase specifically in affluent citizens (although another cause is that affluent citizens specifically are moving to suburbs): "Population explosions, compounded by the flight of affluent taxpayers to the suburbs"

Question 4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT 
 
We are looking for something that is within the scope of the passage and "does NOT Strengthen the Argument" (either weakens or no impact) for privatization of hospitals and schools
 
A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions
 CORRECT   -- Out of scope: expense of transforming private to public was not mentioned 
 
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition
 INCORRECT   -- In scope and strengthens privatization argument: "better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today"
 
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present
 INCORRECT   -- In scope and strengthens privatization argument: "Hospitals are as expensive to run as medical care is costly to the consumer"
 
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions
 INCORRECT   -- In scope and strengthens privatization argument: "Advocates respond to such criticism by pointing out that an efficient, private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers."
 
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities
 INCORRECT   -- In scope and strengthens privatization argument: "While privatization has succeeded in the manufacturing sector"

Tahamohsin · Answer

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system  
 D

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks
  The passage never stated that the American public school system presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks  
B. is an essential public service
  We cannot know from the passage that the American public school system is an essential public service  
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system
  Out of scope.  
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run
  Yes, the passage stated that 
1)Hospitals are as expensive to run as medical care is costly to the consumer.
2)Schools also drain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide.  
E. dates far back in American history
  No, public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times, not dates far back in American history.

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?  
 A

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.
  Correct, the passage stated that the return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits.  
B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.
  The passage never stated that there was the unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.  
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.
  Taxpayer doesn't like the health-care costs, but never oppose it.  
D. The increase in private hospitals.
  The increase in private hospitalsis a alternative of public hospitals  
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.
 There is actually an increase in the population of affluent citizens.

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?  
 B

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child.
  This choice changes the meaning of what actually the passage stated.  
B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school.
  yes, the parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs.  
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system.
  Out of scope.  
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.
  This is not the problem of privatization of school.  
E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided.
  No wrong comparison.

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT  
 A

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions
  Yes, this choice is not in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools   
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition
  This actually support the privatization of hospitals and schools   
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present
  The public institutions require a lot of money to work.  
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions
  This support the privatization of hospitals and schools  
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities
  This also shows the merit of privatization of hospitals and schools

Sumi1010 · Answer

Short note on the passage:
P1 : Problems of Cash-strapped American cities : Privatisation of hospitals and considerations for schools. 
P2 : Critics concern on privatisation and advocates response on the concern.

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks
 The passage says this about the public hospitals. 
B. is an  essential  public service
 This may be true but can't be inferred. 
C.  will eventually be supplanted  by a voucher system
 Voucher system is still a consideration, failure or success of which is unknown. 
D. is run much the  same way  that public hospitals are run
 This maybe true but can't be inferred from the passage. 
E. dates far back in American history
 Correct . "Complete privatization of schools is probably not on the horizon ( public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times) "

E

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.
 Correct. "The return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits." 
B. The  unwillingness  of governments to expand their health care budgets.
 The governments are short of money and it's not about their willingness. 
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.
 The passage does not support this information that taxpayers objected for the costs. 
D. The increase in private hospitals.
 The shift towards privatisation is the consequence of cash-trapped economy. It has not contributed the decline of public hospitals.  
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.
 The flight of affluent taxpayers to the suburbs contributed to drain urban resources.

A

3. According to the passage, the  privatization of the school  system could present which of the following problems?

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child.
 Correct " Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs." 
B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a  reputable school. 
 The students might not get acceptance at the schools of their choices. It may not be true that all the students seek admission in reputable schools. 
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to  shrink the number of schools  in a given school system.
 This is not a supported information from the passage. 
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.
 The autonomy of the schools is a consideration to confront the situation and avoid the privatisation (which is probably not on the horizon). 
E. A school's concern with making  a profit  would diminish the quality of the education it provided.
 This is not a supported information from the passage.

A

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

A. the enormous  expense involved in transforming  private institutions to public institutions
 This does not favor the privatization of hospitals and schools. 
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition
 Supports privatisation- "better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today." 
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present
 Supports privatisation-"The privatization of public hospitals is becoming a popular alternative to propping up struggling taxpayer-supported hospitals." 
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions
 Supports privatisation-"an efficient, private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers." 
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities
 Supports privatisation-"hospitals are not the only urban institutions under fire."

A

ikatke · Answer

Question 1

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks: This is close answer choice. Para-1 mentions--d rain as much as a billion dollars from municipal treasuries nationwide --IMO meaning is different.
B. is an essential public service: True in real world, but not supported by passage.
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system: Voucher system is mentioned as solution. These two words are enough for rejection of this answer choice-Will eventually 
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run: Not supported by passage
 E. dates far back in American history : Passage mentioned that- public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times

Question 2

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.: This is consequence, not cause.
 B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.  Para-1 mention that-i institutions under threat of the budgetary ax . It shows option B is correct.
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.: This is consequence, not cause.
D. The increase in private hospitals.: This is consequence, not cause.
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.: Para-1 says that- Population explosions, compounded by the flight of affluent taxpayers . This AC is combination of these 2 factors.

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child.: Parents can select the school but can not admit their children due to expenses.
 B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school. : Last para says that- parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs. 
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system.: Not supported by passage.
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.: May be true in real world but not supported by passage
E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided.: May be true in real world but not supported by passage

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions : transforming private institutions to public institutions is not mentioned.
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition: Mentioned- better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today 
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present: Content in first para.
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions: Mentioned- private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers 
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities: Example in field of manufacturing is mentioned at start of 3rd para

RashmikaAnegama · Answer

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks

B. is an essential public service 
by the details provided in the passage and it's importance being mentioned, this can be considered as a decent inference

C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system 
This is a presented solution, but not sure that it is implemented or not

D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run 
Schools are another American institutions under discussion, but it can't be inferred that they run as hospitals

E. dates far back in American history

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease. 
No

B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets. 
The lines -  American medical industry, are among those institutions under threat of the budgetary ax. 
support this option

C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs. 
No!

D. The increase in private hospitals. 
This is a strong answer but I preferred B to D as the option says the number of private hospitals increased and not the privatization of the public hospitals

E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens. 
Opposite answer - the passage mentions -  flight of affluent taxpayers

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child. 
These lines -  Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs  in the para 2 as the part of privatization effects explanations proves this to be the right answer

B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school. 
This is a problem especially with voucher system

C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system.

D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.

E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided.

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions

B. the belief that privatization fosters competition

C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present

D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions
 
The benefits for the poor will decrease in case of privatization.

E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities

So, IMO, the answers are B,B,A,D

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Answer IMO
1. E
2. A
3. B
4. A

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks
B. is an essential public service
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run
E. dates far back in American history
 Answer IMO E
As mentioned in these lines: "Complete privatization of schools is probably not on the horizon (public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times), but many different uses of government education resources are under serious consideration."

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.
B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.
D. The increase in private hospitals.
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.
 Answer IMO A
As per: "The return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits. "

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child.
 Wrong. Privatization would create competition and thereby increase the quality. This is opposite to what is mentioned in this option. 
B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school.
 Correct. A poor might not be able to afford the private schools. Thus a poor student might not be able to gain acceptance. 
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system.
 Wrong. Out of scope. 
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.
 Wrong. Out of scope. 
E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided.
 Wrong. With competition, the quality would rather increase.

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities
 IMO A. All other options are in favor of privatization.

rocky620 · Answer

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks.....  Cant Be inferred. Eliminate.  
B. is an essential public service....  School system an essential public service.Not necessarily public schools. Eliminate.  
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system....  Viucher system is mentioned as a method to improve the system, but its preference in not mentioned. Eliminate.  
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run....  Cant Be inferred. Eliminate  
E. dates far back in American history....  Yes It is mentioned that American Public school system have been a part of American life since colonial times. Keep It.

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease.....  They have pushed the hospital resources to the limits. Not the decline. Eliminate.  
B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets.  It is mentioned that" American medical industry, are among those institutions under threat of the budgetary ax " Keep It  
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs.....  No Mention. Eliminate.  
D. The increase in private hospitals.....  It is a solution to curb the decline, not the cause. Eliminate  
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.....  Increase in population Can be, but not specifically that of  "Affluent Citizens"

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems?
 
A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child.....  Selection of school is not a concern. Acceptance in the selected school is. Eliminate.   
B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school.  Yes It is clearly mentioned  "Parents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs ." Keep It   
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system.....  Not Mentioned. Eliminate.  
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools.....  School or any institution, an autonomous body, works on its own budget for its own improvement (until there is CSR involved.) ELiminate.  
E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided.....  OFS. Eliminate.

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions....  Not mentioned anywhere in the passage that converting Private to Public will have "Enormous" Expense. Keep It  
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition....  Mentioned for Schools. Eliminate  
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present....  Mentioned on budgetary level. So we can consider it. Eliminate  
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions....  It is advocated that" private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers"  Eliminate.  
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities....  Mentioned wrt to phone company. Eliminate

IMO Options E, B, B, A

Deepakjhamb · Answer

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system

answer E) dates far back in American history

A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks :  drain on money that comes from taxes , not a drain on taxpayer's pocket  
B. is an essential public service :  its not mentioned that its essential public service , its rather mentioned as social service in first sentence 
C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system:  voucher system is under serious consideration and we cannot say that it will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system ,  
D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run : no such comparison is mentioned in the passage  
E. dates far back in American history:  yes this can be inferred as we have in para 1 that public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times

2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals?

answer is a)The emergence of widespread serious disease

A. The emergence of widespread serious disease  :yes correct ,The return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits 
B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets:  unwillingness on part of government is not there
, the problem is that they are cash -strapped  
C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs:  this is never mentioned in passage , outside scope of passage  
D. The increase in private hospitals :  privatization is seen as a succour or solution and cannot be taken as cause of decline of public hospitals  
E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens:  this is never mentioned in passage and is out of scope

3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problem :

answer is b)A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school

A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child:  problem is not about parent not able to select a satisfactory school  
B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school :  yes this is what passage states -children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs 
C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system:  this is not problem that privatization presents , this is actually cause of privatization 
D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools:  this is not a problem triggered by privatization but problem of school autonomy which is under consideration 
E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided:  this is outside scope of passage and is nowhere mentioned in passage , looks like emotional appeal trap

4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT
 answer is a)the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions

A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions:  actually government is 
 planning privatization to address the problem of its cash strapped budget for its public systems , so first of all why would expense be involved in converting private to public , the system which is already creating pressure on resources 
B. the belief that privatization fosters competition : in first para its stated that better schools would receive more applicants, making public schools as competitive as private schools are today, so this can be inferred as the arguement in favour  
C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present :  yes this is the reason why govt wants privatization 
D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions:  in the second para this is stated that Advocates respond to such criticism by pointing out that an efficient, private hospital or school would eventually have sufficient resources to accommodate even the neediest customers 
E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities: in second para its stated that many critics point out that while privatizing a phone company may produce dramatic financial benefits , so this is in favour of the arguement

Neha2404 · Answer

1-E 2-A 3-B 4-A IMO-E 1. It can be inferred from the passage that the American public school system A. presents a crippling drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks INCORRECT:-It cant inferened from the passage B. is an essential public service INCORRECT:- It is trap answer choice it is not mententioned in passage C. will eventually be supplanted by a voucher system INCORRECT:- the American public school system are on budgetary ax . Voucher system is a alternative solution proposed by Author D. is run much the same way that public hospitals are run INCORRECT the American public school system AND Public hospital are on budgetary ax but not mentioned that both are run much the same way that public hospitals are run E. dates far back in American history CORRECT:- inferred Supporting lines :-According to Supporting lines LINES:- public schools have been a part of American life since colonial times MEANS American public school is dates far back in American history IMO-A 2. According to the passage, which of the following has contributed to the decline of public hospitals? A. The emergence of widespread serious disease. CORRECT The emergence of widespread serious disease among urban population has contributed to the decline of public hospitals Supporting lines :-The return of tuberculosis and the spread of newer epidemics among urban populations have pushed hospital resources to their limits. B. The unwillingness of governments to expand their health care budgets. INCORRECT:- Not mentioned in the passage , C. Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs. INCORRECT:-Not mentioned in the passage Author say health care is expensive but not Taxpayer objections to skyrocketing health-care costs have contributed to the decline of public hospitals D. The increase in private hospitals. INCORRECT:- No author say that The increase in private hospitals has contributed to the decline of public hospitals E. An increase in the population of affluent citizens.\ INCORRECT:-NO author say that An increase in the population of affluent citizens has contributed to the decline of public HOSPITAL IMO-B SUPPORTING LINES

arents worry that their children may not gain acceptance to selective private schools and be shunted into substandard programs 3. According to the passage, the privatization of the school system could present which of the following problems? A. A student's parents would be unable to select a satisfactory school for their child. INCORRECT:- Parrents are available to select a satisfactory school for their child but school may not accept their children B. A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school. Correct:-A student might be unable to gain acceptance at a reputable school and they might be substandardlized C. Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system. INCORRECT:-this is not parents concern that Budgetary concerns might force government to shrink the number of schools in a given school system D. Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools. INCORRECT:-Parents are not worried about Autonomous schools would not be able to share resources with other schools E. A school's concern with making a profit would diminish the quality of the education it provided. INCORRECT:-Parents not worried about it IMO-A 4. According to the passage, all of the following are arguments in favor of the privatization of hospitals and schools EXCEPT A. the enormous expense involved in transforming private institutions to public institutions CORRECT:- Not mentioned in 2nd para B. the belief that privatization fosters competition INCORRECT :-Mentioned in 2nd para C. the expense to taxpayers that public institutions present INCORRECT :-Mentioned in 2nd para D. the benefits that the poor would derive from efficient private institutions INCORRECT :-Mentioned in 2nd para E. the success of privatization in other public services such as public utilities INCORRECT :-Mentioned in 2nd para

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

This question is also medium to hard (650) level, OAs are EAAA.

Good effort by  Vie3nrose  once again and  Neha2404 . Excellent work done by  Sumi1010  and  Deepakjhamb

Shortly the Official explanation will be posted so you can check where you went wrong in your answer choice selection or your reasoning.

Good Luck for the upcoming questions, Points table will be updated soon. Remember one thing we have total 11 days for this competition and winner will be announced on Jan 16th.

Thank you

VerbalBot · Answer

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