In general, jobs are harder to get in times of economic rece

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In general, jobs are harder to get in times of economic recession because many businesses cut back operations. However, any future recessions in Vargonia will probably not reduce the availability of teaching jobs at government-funded schools. This is because Vargonia has just introduced a legal requirement that education in government-funded schools be available, free of charge, to all Vargonian children regardless of the state of the economy, and that current student-teacher ratios not be exceeded. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A. The current student-teacher ratio at Vargonia's government-funded schools is higher than it was during the most recent period of economic recession.

B. During recent periods when the Vargonian economy has been strong, almost 25 percent of Vargonian children have attended privately funded schools, many of which charge substantial fees.

C. Nearly 20 percent more teachers are currently employed in Vargonia's government-funded schools than had been employed in those schools in the period before the last economic recession.

D. Teachers in Vargonia's government-funded schools are well paid relative to teachers in most privately funded schools in Vargonia, many of which rely heavily on part-time teachers.

E. During the last economic recession in Vargonia, the government permanently closed a number of the schools that it had funded.

[spoiler]OA: Will be posted later. Please discuss each answer choice in detail[/spoiler]

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by Ozlemg » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:06 pm
IMO C
A. The current student-teacher ratio at Vargonia's government-funded schools is higher than it was during the most recent period of economic recession. -->since the argument talks about future, current ratio does not make sense!

B. During recent periods when the Vargonian economy has been strong, almost 25 percent of Vargonian children have attended privately funded schools, many of which charge substantial fees. --> argument talks about schools and teacher-student ratio not solely children.

C. Nearly 20 percent more teachers are currently employed in Vargonia's government-funded schools than had been employed in those schools in the period before the last economic recession. -->Correct. That's why ratio will not change. the number of teachers are already more than essential.

D. Teachers in Vargonia's government-funded schools are well paid relative to teachers in most privately funded schools in Vargonia, many of which rely heavily on part-time teachers.-->can not be reason for the ratio matter. Out of Scope

E. During the last economic recession in Vargonia, the government permanently closed a number of the schools that it had funded. Who cares the last one! We should look forward because argument talks about a coming one!
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by xxpatzz » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:26 pm
IMO:B

25% of students were attending private schools during strong economy, we can assume these 25% of students will attend public school if state economy becomes weak; thus, increase the total student enrollment in public school. However, current public school's student/teacher ratio can't be exceeded, the only way for that to happen is to hire more teachers; therefore, the conclusion of availability of teaching jobs won't be reduced is strengthened.

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by abhi0697 » Thu Jun 30, 2011 4:23 am
IMO B

I agree with explanation given by xxpatzz

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by M09 » Thu Jun 30, 2011 4:54 am
aspirant2011 wrote:In general, jobs are harder to get in times of economic recession because many businesses cut back operations. However, any future recessions in Vargonia will probably not reduce the availability of teaching jobs at government-funded schools. This is because Vargonia has just introduced a legal requirement that education in government-funded schools be available, free of charge, to all Vargonian children regardless of the state of the economy, and that current student-teacher ratios not be exceeded. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A. The current student-teacher ratio at Vargonia's government-funded schools is higher than it was during the most recent period of economic recession.

B. During recent periods when the Vargonian economy has been strong, almost 25 percent of Vargonian children have attended privately funded schools, many of which charge substantial fees.

C. Nearly 20 percent more teachers are currently employed in Vargonia's government-funded schools than had been employed in those schools in the period before the last economic recession.

D. Teachers in Vargonia's government-funded schools are well paid relative to teachers in most privately funded schools in Vargonia, many of which rely heavily on part-time teachers.

E. During the last economic recession in Vargonia, the government permanently closed a number of the schools that it had funded.

[spoiler]OA: Will be posted later. Please discuss each answer choice in detail[/spoiler]
The argument says Student to Teacher ratio be maintained. So, if no. of teachers increase, no. students should also increase.
B it involves a bit assumption that student will switch to govt. school
but I guess that's the best possible among these.
Please let me know.

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by aspirant2011 » Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:34 am
thanks a lot guys :-)....OA is B

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by deepsok » Thu Jun 30, 2011 12:32 pm
Will go with B
Because If in strong economy--25 % children go to private school thus 75% go to govt school.
Then in recession obviously this 75% will increase ,so more student in govt school.
Now, need more teachers to make sure that student - teacher ratio,should not increase.

I think only Bis clear answer choice.

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by Sanjay2706 » Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:17 pm
IMO C.
However, OA is B.
Good explanation.
Thanks.