Question

read the passage.
the cost of health care is rising in america. the amount that an average family must pay for insurance has increased by 3 percent in just two years. for families buying insurance on an exchange or privately, the increase is an astounding 25 percent. at this rate, health care, which includes visits to a typical family doctor, specialists for anything from a knee injury to cancer, and the emergency room, will be unaffordable for most americans in 10 years or sooner. i know this because my family is an average american family—and we are worried.
which statement describes the claim?
○ the writer’s family is an average american family struggling to pay for health care.
○ health care will continue to rise by 3 to 25 percent each year for the next 10 years.
○ health insurance is becoming too expensive for most american families to afford.
○ the average american family is paying more for health insurance than they did before.

Explanation:

The passage's main claim is about the rising cost of health care (specifically insurance) making it unaffordable for most Americans in the near future. Let's analyze each option:

• First option: Talks about the writer's family struggling, which is an example, not the claim.
• Second option: The passage says "at this rate" (referring to the current increases) will make it unaffordable, not a prediction of a 3 - 25% annual rise for 10 years.
• Third option: The passage says it will be unaffordable "in 10 years or sooner", but this option is a general statement about it being too expensive now, which isn't the main claim (the claim is about the trend leading to unaffordability, but the key data - driven part of the claim is the rising cost the average family is paying).
• Fourth option: The passage states "the amount that an average family must pay for insurance has increased by 3 percent in just two years... for families buying insurance on an exchange or privately, the increase is an astounding 25 percent" and uses the writer's family as an example. This option accurately describes the claim about the average American family paying more for health insurance than before.

Answer:

D. The average American family is paying more for health insurance than they did before. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D in order as presented. If the original options have different labels, adjust accordingly. The text of the correct option is "The average American family is paying more for health insurance than they did before.")