Directions: The critical reasoning question is based on a short argument, a set of arguments, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given and explain why the chosen answer is the right fit.
During an ongoing conversation between John and Akshay, John said, “A recent spate of industrial accidents has forced employers to take up more expensive insurance policies for their employees. This has meant that the cost of running businesses has gone by for these industries, and in order to keep a check on their expenses, employees have been laid off. This, in turn, has placed a greater amount of pressure on the existing workforce.”
To this Akshay replied,” Despite the reduction in employees, the cost of operating these businesses will continue to increase.”
What could be the viewpoint of Akshay while replying to John about the increasing cost of operation?
1. Since the life of a worker is at stake, the cost of insurance premiums is pretty high
2. The reason for industrial accidents is very hard to establish
3. The chances of accidents increase as workers are placed under the additional workload
4. Since most industries are not focused on innovation and streamlining, accidents are inevitable