Question

More than 64% say they are employed full-time or part-time. Most say they are in reasonably good health and have a satisfying religious or spiritual life. They own a home and at least two cars, and they are able to take vacations. By international standards, they live a life of prosperity. Yet behind this prosperity is a growing unease. Half of the employed respondents say that they’ve experienced either increased health-care costs or a cut in health benefits over the last three years, and 39% have had cuts in their overtime, raises or bonuses.

In this example, which opposing argument is Wallechinsky refuting?

A) That people are secure once they have achieved many of the things associated with the American Dream.
B) That Americans are more prosperous than citizens of other countries.
C) That Americans know how to take care of themselves health-wise.
D) That the American Dream includes a job, a satisfying life, a home, cars, and family vacations.

Answer 1

Wallechinsky refutes the argument that people are secure once they have achieved many aspects of the American Dream by highlighting the growing unease among survey respondents despite their achievements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The opposing argument that Wallechinsky is refuting in this example is:

A) That people are secure once they have achieved many of the things associated with the American Dream.

In the passage, it is mentioned that although the respondents in the survey have achieved many aspects of the American Dream, such as full-time employment, good health, satisfying religious or spiritual life, home ownership, and multiple cars, there is a growing unease among them due to factors like increased healthcare costs and cuts in overtime, raises, or bonuses. This suggests that achieving these aspects does not guarantee security and prosperity.