Some would have you believe that the economic problems of Western Euro

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

The author argues that the economic problems of Western Europe are not caused by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil cartel. This point is made by using Great Britain as an example of a Western European country that is not dependent on OPEC oil but has the same economic problems as France and West Germany. Thus, the first answer choice is the correct answer.

B is incorrect. The author’s point (that the economic problems of Western Europe are not caused by the OPEC oil cartel) is made by stating that the economic problems of France and West Germany are the same as those of Great Britain and by pointing out that Great Britain does not depend on OPEC oil as France and West Germany do. This in no way implies what the nature of the economic problems of France and West Germany is. C is also incorrect. The author does not present or discuss the reasoning used to arrive at the conclusion that the OPEC oil cartel has caused the economic problems of Western Europe. Rather, the author presents evidence suggesting that the conclusion cannot be true. The fourth answer choice is not the correct answer. The author presents evidence that the economic problems of Western Europe are not caused by the OPEC oil cartel, but no suggestion is given about the true cause of those economic problems. This last answer choice is also incorrect. The author’s point is made by comparing Great Britain with France and West Germany.