Set 1: Inferences (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Economists studying the gig economy have found that workers who set their own hours report higher job satisfaction but lower average earnings than traditional employees. Furthermore, while gig workers value flexibility, many express anxiety about income unpredictability and lack of benefits.
What does the passage suggest about gig work?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Higher satisfaction but lower earnings; flexibility valued but income anxiety exists—a trade-off pattern. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.
Key Evidence:
• "higher job satisfaction but lower average earnings"
• "anxiety about income unpredictability"
Why others are wrong: B (Anxiety and lower earnings are drawbacks.), C (They report 'higher satisfaction.'), D (The comparison isn't about traditional worker satisfaction.).