Question

The graph shows the number of employed workers in the United States in nonfarm jobs from 2008 to 2013.
A line graph titled Number of Employed workers in nonfarm jobs, 2008 to 2013 shows years on the x axis from 2008 to 2013 and millions of employed workers on the y axis, from 100 to 120. Line starts at 116 in 2008, to 108 in 2009, 107 in 2010, 108 in 2011.
Which generalization best describes the information provided by this graph?
Responses

In today's economy, a country needs fewer workers to remain strong.
In today's economy, a country needs fewer workers to remain strong.

The United States had the world’s weakest economy by 2010.
The United States had the world’s weakest economy by 2010.

The United States faced an economic crisis that started in 2008.
The United States faced an economic crisis that started in 2008.

By 2012, the United States had solved its economic problems.

Answer 1

The United States faced an economic crisis that started in 2008.

Justification: The sharp drop in nonfarm employment from 116 million (2008) to about 108 million (2009) and the continued low levels in 2010–2011 indicate a major downturn beginning in 2008 (the Great Recession).