A student is writing a research paper about whether the United States needs more trade schools. The student wants to revise the draft to improve its organization. Read the draft of the paper and complete the task that follows.

Question

College is getting more expensive, and college-educated jobs are getting harder to find. Meanwhile, skilled trades are in high demand.

Why the worker shortage? Since the 1970s and '80s, U.S. high school graduates have been increasingly encouraged to go to college for academic degrees rather than pursuing training in industrial and other trades. This has left employers with a severe shortage of skilled employees.

Many individuals and organizations are saying it's time to bring back trade schools to fill this gap. A trade school is a specialized educational institution that allows students to pursue a course of technical education related to a specific skilled vocation.

More trade schools will benefit employers and employees alike. Skilled trades show among the highest potential among job categories. Many tradespeople also are older than workers in other fields, meaning their upcoming retirements could result in big shortages. Completing a vocational program can add tens of thousands of dollars per year to a graduate’s income.

Because trade schools offer a faster, less-expensive route to employment than a college degree does, many people are calling for an increase in these vocational programs. Advocates argue that trade-school graduates will make more money than unskilled employees, will have increased job security, and will fill a crucial need as the United States economy shifts and changes.

Which sentences should be added to the underlined introduction to explain the context for the paper's subtopics?
A.

Trade schools offer a streamlined approach to education. They focus on developing a particular skill set and knowledge base for a career rather than receiving a general education.

B.

Skilled trade positions are plentiful. Less plentiful are the men and women with the qualifications to fill them.
C.

For many young people, going to college seems like a logical choice. After all, a four-year degree means a higher income.
D
.

Traditional vocational training included construction and mechanics. Today, trade schools train everyone from electronics engineers to pharmacy technicians.

Answer 1

The best choice to add context to the introduction while smoothly transitioning into the paper's subtopics about trade schools and the worker shortage is:

B. Skilled trade positions are plentiful. Less plentiful are the men and women with the qualifications to fill them.

This sentence directly addresses the core issue the paper is discussing— the disconnect between the demand for skilled labor and the supply of qualified workers— which aligns well with the introduction's focus on the need for trade schools.