Question 23 • Social Problems 1: A World in Crisis (IS)
Yolanda believes that education should be about determining who is the smartest and strongest. She believes that capitalism is the American way, so why not introduce everyone to it early and get them used to it? In her mind, competition would also encourage the low achieving student to get in the game and take on their peers. Which is the BEST argument against this emphasis on competition?
Answer
A
Most students are intellectually curious and don’t require any motivation to learn or do well in school.
B
Competition often leads to cheating, even in upper class schools where students have many resources available.
C
The demands of the work force are ever-changing and will require competition among employees.
D
Competition is not designed to address the significant social problems that lead to poor performance.
Explanation
The question asks for the strongest argument against using competition to improve students’ performance. Competition may encourage some students, but it does not address social problems—such as poverty or unequal access to support—that can contribute to poor performance. Choice D identifies this limitation, while the other choices either make broad claims or describe competition as useful or inevitable.
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