Critical Reasoning: Inference Questions
The level of unemployment in Country X is lower than that in Country Y. The size of the population in both countries is the same, as is also the age distribution.
Which of the following is most likely to be true on the basis of the statements above?
Correct!
[[snippet]]If both countries have the same population and in Country Y the unemployment rate is higher, then there are more unemployed people in Country Y (population × rate of X < population × rate of Y).
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]If both countries have the same population and in Country Y the unemployment rate is higher, why should the number of unemployed in Country X be greater?
Remember, the number of unemployed people is the rate (or percentage) of unemployment times the total population.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]If both countries have the same population and in Country Y the unemployment rate is higher, why should the number of unemployed in Country X be equal to that in Country Y?
Remember, the number of unemployed people is the rate (or percentage) of unemployment times the total population.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]If the percentage of the working population (i.e., level of employment) is equal in both countries, then the level of unemployment is also equal (people either work or they don't). However, Premise A states the level of unemployment is higher in Country Y.
This answer choice contradicts Premise A and therefore cannot be the conclusion.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]If the percentage of the working population (i.e., level of employment) is smaller in Country X than in Country Y, then the level of unemployment is greater in Country X. However, Premise A states the level of unemployment is higher in Country Y.
This answer choice contradicts Premise A and therefore cannot be the conclusion.
