Question

read the excerpt from fast food nation.

instead of relying upon a small, stable, well - paid, and well - trained workforce, the fast food industry seeks out part - time, unskilled workers who are willing to accept low pay. teenagers have been the perfect candidates for these jobs, not only because they are less expensive to hire than adults, but also because their youthful inexperience makes them easier to control.

which of the following choices best presents a counterclaim to the argument presented in this excerpt?

• teenagers have not yet developed skills that make them valuable employees in the workforce.
• fast food restaurants are able to employ people who otherwise might not be able to find a job because of the low skill level required to perform the tasks.
• the mcdonald brothers designed the speedee service system based on the assembly line systems of american factories in the early twentieth century.
• by law, fast food restaurants must offer equal employment opportunities to those seeking work.

Explanation:

The original argument claims the fast food industry favors teen workers because they are cheap and easy to control, framing this as an exploitative, one-sided practice. A counterclaim would present a positive, opposing perspective on the industry's hiring approach.

• The first option supports the original argument by agreeing teens lack valuable skills.
• The third option is irrelevant historical context about the service system, not a counter to the hiring argument.
• The fourth option addresses legal requirements, not a counter to the claim about teen workers' role.
• The second option provides a positive alternative view: the industry's low-skill jobs offer employment to those who would otherwise be unemployable, directly countering the negative framing of the original argument.

Answer:

Fast food restaurants are able to employ people who otherwise might not be able to find a job because of the low skill level required to perform the tasks.