Question

A bar graph titled Economic Growth, 2000-2001 shows percentage change in real gross product for New York City and the United States. In Q 2 2000, N Y C = 11, U S = 6. By Q 3 2001, N Y C = negative 15, U S = negative 1.5.
What does the chart show about the effects of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on economic growth?

It increased about 10% in both New York City and the US.
It declined about 5% in New York City and about 15% in the US.
It increased about 5% in both New York City and the US.
It declined about 15% in New York City and about 2% in the US.

Answer 1

The chart shows that in Q2 2000, New York City's economy was growing at 11%, and the U.S. was growing at 6%. By Q3 2001, however, New York City's economy had declined to negative 15%, while the U.S. economy declined to negative 1.5%.

This indicates a significant decline in economic growth for New York City after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which was far more severe than the negative impact on the overall U.S. economy.

Among the options given, the best interpretation is:

**It declined about 15% in New York City and about 2% in the US.**

(Note: While the percentage change for the U.S. is actually negative 1.5%, it is often rounded to 2% in informal contexts.)