Question

In cities with rent control, the city government sets the maximum rent that a landlord (房东) can charge for an apartment. Supporters of rent control argue that it protects people who are living in apartment. Their rent cannot increase; therefore, they are not in danger of losing their homes. However, the critics say that after a long time, rent control may have negative effects. Landlords know that they cannot increase their profits. Therefore, they invest in other businesses where they can increase their profits. They do not invest in new buildings which would also be rent-controlled. As a result, new apartments are not built. Many people who need apartments cannot find any. According to the critics, the end result of rent control is a shortage of apartments in the city.

   Some experts argue that the minimum wage law can cause problems in the same way. The federal government sets the minimum that an employer must pay workers. The minimum helps people who generally look for unskilled, low-paying jobs. However, if the minimum is high, employers may hire fewer workers. They will replace workers with machinery. Therefore, other things being equal, the number of workers that employers want decreases. Thus, critics hold the opinion that an increase in the minimum wage may cause unemployment. Some poor people may find themselves without jobs instead of with jobs at the minimum wage.

   Supporters of the minimum wage say that it helps people keep their dignity. Because of the law, workers cannot sell their services for less than the minimum. Furthermore, employers cannot force workers to accept jobs at unfair wages.

   Economic theory predicts the results of economic decision, such as decisions about farm production, rent control, and the minimum wage. The predictions may be corrected only if “other things are equal”. Economists do not agree on some of the predictions. They also do not agree on the value of different decisions. Some economists support a particular decision while others criticize it. Economists do agree, however, that there are no simple answers to economic questions.

1.There is the possibility that setting maximum rent may ________.

A. cause a shortage of apartments

B. worry those who rent apartments as homes.

C. increase the profits of landlords.

D. encourage landlords to invest in building apartments.

2.We can safely say that rent control ________.

A. will always benefit those who rent apartments.

B. is unnecessary.

C. will probably bring inactive effects in the long run.

D. is necessary under all conditions

3.There will be the problem of unemployment if ________.

A. the minimum wage is set too high..

B. the minimum wage is set too early.

C. the workers are unskilled.

D. the maximum wage is set for poor workers.

4.The passage tells us about ________.

A. the relationship between supply and demand.

B. the possible results of government controls.

C. the necessity of government control.

D. the urgency of getting rid of government control. 

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.A

4.B

【解析】

试题本文从rent control和最低工资控制两方面讨论了政府控制可能造成的后果。进一步说，许多政府行为可能保护某些利益，但从长远看，也会带来许多问题。

1.A细节理解题。本题问规定最高租金可能会导致什么结果。文章第一段明确指出，landlords(房东)收取租户的租金有了最高限额，他们的利润会受到影响，也可能导致他们投资其他行业，鉴于此，C、D两项都是错误的。B项“使租房为家的人担忧”文中没有涉及，也不对。依据第一段最后一句话“…, the end result of rent control is a shortage of apartments in the city.”可知A项为惟一选项。故选A。

2.细节理解题。依据第一段第四句“However, the critics say that after a long time, rent control may have negative effects.”可断定C项正确。A、B、D诸项都含绝对意味，都不符合文中意思。故选C。

3.A细节理解题。解答该题只要准确理解第二段的含义，尤其从第三行开始“However, if the minimum is high,…Thus, critics claim, an increase in the minimum wage may cause unemployment.”此题较简单。故选A。

4.B主旨大意题。本文从rent control和最低工资控制两方面讨论了政府控制可能造成的后果。进一步说，许多政府行为可能保护某些利益，但从长远看，也会带来许多问题。B项正确。A项说(文章叙述了)供需关系;C项说(文章叙述了)政府控制的必要性;D项说(文章叙述了)摆脱政府控制的紧迫性。文章并没有深入谈及这三项内容，显然不能成为文章主旨。故选B。