Text 1: Economist Dr. Maria Santos emphasizes GDP growth. "Rising GDP indicates economic health and improved living standards," Santos writes. "Growth creates jobs, funds social programs, and lifts populations from poverty."
Text 2: Development economist Dr. Robert Chen critiques GDP focus. "GDP measures production, not well-being," Chen argues. "Environmental destruction, inequality, and unpaid care work—all invisible to GDP. We need broader measures of prosperity."
What limitation in Santos's metric does Chen identify?
That GDP is difficult to calculate accurately
That GDP captures production but misses important aspects of welfare
That economic growth has never occurred
That jobs have no value for workers
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Chen explicitly argues GDP "measures production, not well-being" and lists omissions: environmental damage, inequality, unpaid work. GDP captures some things but misses others that matter.
- Evidence: Chen: GDP makes important factors "invisible."
- Reasoning: The metric's scope doesn't match human welfare.
- Conclusion: Chen identifies GDP's narrow scope as the limitation.
Choice A is incorrect because calculation accuracy isn't Chen's concern. Choice C is incorrect because Chen doesn't deny growth. Choice D is incorrect because job value isn't disputed.