In free-trade countries such as the United States, if there is a coal

Question

In free-trade countries such as the United States, if there is a coal-supply disturbance which increases international coal prices, domestic coal prices will also be affected whether such free-trade countries import some or none of their coal.

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the argument?

A. When there is a disturbance in the international coal supply, free-trade countries’ domestic coal producers cannot participate in international coal markets.

B. As long as a free-trade country has sufficient domestic supply to meet domestic demand, domestic coal prices are barely affected, if at all, by international coal-supply disturbances.

C. Even if a free-trade country usually sells most of its domestically produced coal within its borders, that country remains part of the international market for coal.

D. Even if international coal prices spike, free-trade countries that export little or no domestically produced coal can keep domestic coal prices constant.

E. When there is a disturbance in the international coal supply, non-free-trade countries’ domestic coal producers are affected by international coal markets.

dreamknight · Answer

In free-trade countries such as the United States, if there is a coal-supply disturbance which increases international coal prices, domestic coal prices will also be affected whether such free-trade countries import some or none of their coal.

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the argument?

A. When there is a disturbance in the international coal supply, free-trade countries’ domestic coal producers  cannot participate  in international coal markets. -  incorrect 
We cannot conclude that free-trade countries’ domestic coal producers are unable to participate in international coal markets

B. As long as a free-trade country has sufficient domestic supply to meet domestic demand, domestic coal prices are  barely affected , if at all, by international coal-supply disturbances. -  incorrect 
Argument clearly states that domestic coal prices will also be affected.

C.  Even if a free-trade country usually sells most of its domestically produced coal within its borders, that country remains part of the international market for coal.  -  Correct 
It can be concluded since free trade countries can still access international markets and hence will remain a part of the international market.

D. Even if international coal prices spike, free-trade countries that export little or no domestically produced coal can  keep domestic coal prices constant . -  incorrect 
It is clearly stated that domestic coal prices will also be affected whether such free-trade countries import some or none of their coal. We cannot conclude that 
free-trade countries can keep domestic coal prices constant.

E. When there is a disturbance in the international coal supply,  non-free-trade countries’  domestic coal producers are affected by international coal markets. -  incorrect 
The argument doesn't give any information about non-free-trade countries.

napolean92728 · Answer

The  correct answer is C :
 “Even if a free-trade country usually sells most of its domestically produced coal within its borders, that country remains part of the international market for coal.”

✅ Why C is Correct:
The argument says that  even if a free-trade country imports little or no coal , its  domestic coal prices are still affected by international coal prices . This supports the conclusion that  the country is economically connected to the international coal market , regardless of whether it imports or exports coal. That’s exactly what  C  states.

❌ Why the other options are incorrect:
 A.  “When there is a disturbance in the international coal supply, free-trade countries’ domestic coal producers cannot participate in international coal markets.” 
 
 This contradicts the logic. If domestic prices are affected by international prices, it suggests that  domestic producers are participating or are influenced by international markets , not excluded from them.  
 B.  “As long as a free-trade country has sufficient domestic supply to meet domestic demand, domestic coal prices are barely affected, if at all, by international coal-supply disturbances.” 
 
 This is the  opposite  of the argument. The passage says that  domestic prices are affected regardless of imports , which implies that  even with enough domestic supply , prices still go up due to international market changes.  
 D.  “Even if international coal prices spike, free-trade countries that export little or no domestically produced coal can keep domestic coal prices constant.” 
 
 Again, this contradicts the passage. The argument clearly states that  prices are affected  even if the country imports none or very little coal, so prices are  not constant .  
 E.  “When there is a disturbance in the international coal supply, non-free-trade countries’ domestic coal producers are affected by international coal markets.” 
 
 The argument only discusses  free-trade countries . It says  nothing  about  non-free-trade countries , so this is  outside the scope  of the argument.

In free-trade countries such as the United States, if there is a coal

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In free-trade countries such as the United States, if there is a coal

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