Text 1: Technology entrepreneur Jessica Wang promotes automation. "Automation frees humans from dangerous, repetitive work," Wang argues. "The automated future will enable people to pursue creative, meaningful activities."
Text 2: Labor economist Dr. Robert Hall studies automation's effects. "Automation eliminates jobs faster than new ones are created," Hall warns. "Displaced workers face long-term unemployment. Benefits concentrate among those with education and capital."
How does Hall's perspective in Text 2 challenge Wang's optimism in Text 1?
By denying that automation eliminates undesirable jobs
By highlighting who bears the costs of the transition
By arguing that creative work has no economic value
By claiming automation technology doesn't work
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Wang focuses on benefits. Hall focuses on transition costs—who loses during the change Wang imagines.
- Evidence: Hall emphasizes "displaced workers" and concentrated benefits.
- Reasoning: He challenges Wang on who suffers during transition.
- Conclusion: Hall foregrounds transition costs Wang overlooks.
Choice A is incorrect because Hall doesn't dispute automation's effects. Choice C is incorrect because creative work's value isn't discussed. Choice D is incorrect because Hall assumes automation works.