Q24

[magnusgan]

Can someone please explain which explanation was proposed and rejected, and what the alternative offered was?

[ohthatpatrick]

Sure thing, the proposed explanation that is rejected (and subsequent alternative explanation) all takes place from 39-49.

Proposed explanation for why US integrated producers are struggling:
Labor-intensive machinery is at fault

Rejection:
But Japanese integrated producers who DON'T use labor-intensive machinery are ALSO struggling (so there must be some other reason)

Alternative explanation:
The fact is that integrated producers have an inherently inefficient process that hasn't gotten with the times.

Let me know if this fails to clarify.

[magnusgan]

Oh goodness I read the question as "best describes the organization of the passage."

No wonder I couldn't find a correct answer choice!!! Yes your explanation makes perfect sense now. Thank you!