Question

Directions for Summary: A paragraph is followed by four options which have summarized the passage in their own way. Pick the option that best summarizes the passage:
The unlikely alliance of the incumbent industrialist and the distressed unemployed worker is especially powerful amid the debris of corporate bankruptcies and layoffs. In an economic downturn, the capitalist is more likely to focus on costs of the competition emanating from free markets than on the opportunities they create. And the unemployed worker will find many others in a similar condition and with anxieties similar to his, which will make it easier for them to organize together. Using the cover and the political organization provided by the distressed, the capitalist captures the political agenda.

• A. The purpose of an unlikely alliance between the industrialist and the unemployed during an economic downturn is to stifle competition in free markets.
• B. In an economic downturn, the capitalists use the anxieties of the unemployed and their political organisation to set the political agenda to suit their economic interests.
• C. An economic downturn creates competition because of which the capitalists capture the political agenda created by the political organisation provided by the unemployed.
• D. An unlikely alliance of the industrialist and the unemployed happens during an economic downturn in which they come together to unite politically and capture the political agenda.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The passage discusses an unlikely alliance between capitalists and unemployed workers during economic downturns. In such periods, capitalists tend to focus on reducing costs rather than exploring market opportunities, while unemployed workers, united by their similar conditions and anxieties, find it easier to organize. This alliance allows capitalists to use the political organization of the distressed workers to influence the political agenda to their advantage.

Evaluating the given options:

• The first option suggests the alliance aims to stifle competition, but the passage focuses more on capitalists leveraging political influence.
• The second option accurately captures the essence of the passage by highlighting that capitalists use the anxieties and organization of unemployed workers to set the political agenda in their favor during an economic downturn.
• The third option misinterprets the passage, suggesting that downturns inherently create competition, while the text emphasizes leveraging political influence.
• The fourth option is partially accurate but doesn't specifically address the capitalists’ use of the alliance for setting the political agenda.

Therefore, the best summary is: "In an economic downturn, the capitalists use the anxieties of the unemployed and their political organisation to set the political agenda to suit their economic interests."