Skip to main contentSkip to solution

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

Brazil's growth rate has been low, yet most Brazilians say their financial situation has improved, and they expect it to get even better. This is because most incomes are rising fast, with higher minimum wages and very low unemployment. The result is falling inequality and a growing middle class the result of economic stabilization, improved social security and universal primary education. But despite recent improvements the Brazilian economy is still painfully unequal, with poor Brazilian spaying the biggest share of their income in taxes and getting the least back in government services.

Solution

βœ… Correct Option: 4

We need to find the main message. The passage has two key parts connected by "yet" and "but" - this tells me there's a contrastwe need to capture.

From passage: "Brazil's growth rate has been low, yet most Brazilians say their financial situation has improved, and they expect it to get even better."

From passage: "But despite recent improvements the Brazilian economy is still painfully unequal, with poor Brazilian spaying the biggest share of their income in taxes and getting the least back in government services."

The thought process: Most people doing better -> BUT poor still treated unfairly -> Need summary that shows both sides


Let's check each option for common traps:

πŸ”΄ Option 1 -> degree-error -> Says inequality is "rising" but passage clearly states "falling inequality." Also adds "impending problems" not mentioned anywhere. Wrong direction completely.

πŸ”΄ Option 2 -> context-shift -> Calls improvements "misleading" when passage shows they're real (higher wages, low unemployment). Suggests people are wrong to feel optimistic, but passage supports their optimism.

πŸ”΄ Option 3 -> overstates -> Predicts "destabilization in next few years" - pure speculation not in passage. Also says indicators "masked" problems, but passage openly discusses inequality alongside improvements.

🟒 Option 4 -> correct -> Perfectly captures both halves: "most Brazilians feel they have benefitted" (matches first part) + "but the poor continue to be dealt unfairly" (matches second part about taxes/services). No extra predictions or wrong claims.

The key insight: Don't get confused by options that add dramatic predictions or claim people are wrong about their own experiences. Stick to what the passage actually says - improvements for most, ongoing unfairness for poor.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Left arrow: Previous question
  • Right arrow: Next question
  • S key: Jump to solution
  • Q key: Jump to question