Text 1: Demographer Dr. Sarah Lin worries about aging populations. "Declining birth rates create unsustainable dependency ratios," Lin warns. "Fewer workers supporting more retirees strains pension systems and healthcare."
Text 2: Economist Dr. Michael Park offers alternative perspective. "Aging societies invest more per child and per worker," Park notes. "Automation, immigration, and increased labor force participation among older adults can compensate. Demographic change creates challenges, not inevitably crises."
How would Park characterize Lin's concerns?
As completely unfounded and without merit
As identifying real challenges that nonetheless have manageable solutions
As caused entirely by immigration policies
As irrelevant to economic planning
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Park acknowledges "challenges" but offers solutions (automation, immigration, older worker participation). He sees Lin's concerns as real but addressable, not catastrophic.
- Evidence: Park: "challenges, not inevitably crises."
- Reasoning: He accepts the problem while disputing its severity.
- Conclusion: Park validates concern while offering optimism about responses.
Choice A is incorrect because Park admits challenges exist. Choice C is incorrect because Park sees immigration as a solution, not cause. Choice D is incorrect because Park engages the planning implications.