Question

struggling
when the economy is strong and incomes are rising, many americans assume most households are earning enough to cover their basic
expenses. that assumption is wrong.
secondary source: article
\ despite a strong economy, about 40 percent of american families struggled to meet at least one of their basic needs last year, including
paying for food, health care, housing or utilities. thats according to an urban institute survey of nearly 7,600 adults that found that the
difficulties were most prevalent among adults with lower incomes or health issues. but it also revealed that people from all walks of life were
running into similar hardships. . . . the average unemployment rate for 2017 was 4.4 percent, a low that followed years of decline. but having
a job doesnt ensure families will be able to meet their basic needs, said michael karpman, one of the studys authors. among the
households with at least one working adult, more than 30 percent reported hardship. \economic growth and low unemployment alone do
not ensure everyone can meet their basic needs,\ the authors wrote. food insecurity was the most common challenge: more than 23 percent
of households struggled to feed their family at some point during the year. that was followed by problems paying a family medical bill,
reported by about 18 percent. a similar percentage didnt seek care for a medical need because of the cost. additionally, roughly 13 percent
of families missed a utility bill payment at some point during the year. and 10 percent of families either didnt pay the full amount of their
rent or mortgage, or they paid it late. while startling data to some, it comes as no surprise to those americans who are struggling to get by.
debra poppelaars of nashville, tennessee, underwent spinal fusion surgery last fall and was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly
thereafter. although she is insured, she owes roughly $19,000 for her portion of the medical bills. between disability, a job change and the
mounting debt, she hasnt been able to make ends meet and is now facing bankruptcy.\
—sarah skidmore sell, \despite strong economy, many americans struggling to get by,\ ap news, 2018
which statement best expresses the central idea of the article?
○ families only struggled because unemployment rates were high.
○ even in a strong economy, many americans faced hardships such as food insecurity, medical debt, and housing struggles.
○ debra poppelaarss story was the only example of financial struggle during 2017.
○ economic growth guarantees that most families can cover their basic expenses.

Explanation:

The article opens by challenging the assumption that a strong economy means most households cover basic needs, cites a survey showing 40% of families struggled with basic needs (food insecurity, medical bills, housing issues) despite low unemployment, and notes economic growth alone doesn’t ensure stability. Other options are incorrect: the first ignores non-unemployment causes, the third claims one example is the only one, and the fourth contradicts the article’s main point.

Answer:

Even in a strong economy, many Americans faced hardships such as food insecurity, medical debt, and housing struggles.