Question

Read the excerpt from Fast Food Nation.

Instead of relying upon a small, stable, well-paid, and well-trained workforce, the fast food industry seeks out part-time, unskilled workers who are willing to accept low pay. Teenagers have been the perfect candidates for these jobs, not only because they are less expensive to hire than adults, but also because their youthful inexperience makes them easier to control.

Which of the following choices best presents a counterclaim to the argument presented in this excerpt?
Teenagers have not yet developed skills that make them valuable employees in the workforce.
Fast food restaurants are able to employ people who otherwise might not be able to find a job because of the low skill level required to perform the tasks.
The McDonald brothers designed the Speedee Service System based on the assembly line systems of American factories in the early twentieth century.
By law, fast food restaurants must offer equal employment opportunities to those seeking work.

Answer 1

Fast food restaurants are able to employ people who otherwise might not be able to find a job because of the low skill level required to perform the tasks.

This directly counters the claim that hiring teens is simply exploiting inexperience by arguing the jobs provide opportunities for those with limited skills.