Question

elite. low - ranked wrestlers must tend to their superiors, preparing their meals and cleaning their quarters and even soaping up their hardest - to - reach body parts. so ranking is everything.
a wrestler’s ranking is based on his performance in the elite tournaments that are held six times a year. each wrestler has fifteen bouts per tournament, one per day over fifteen consecutive days. if he finishes the tournament with a winning record (eight victories or better), his ranking will rise. if he has a losing record, his ranking falls. if it falls far enough, he is booted from the elite rank entirely. the eighth victory in any tournament is therefore critical, the difference between promotion and demotion; it is roughly four times as valuable in the rankings as the typical victory.
based on the excerpt, which of the following statements best summarizes the incentive system that ranks sumo wrestlers?
○ the incentive system penalizes elite sumo wrestlers.
○ the incentive system rewards elite sumo wrestlers.
○ the incentive system treats all sumo wrestlers equally.
○ the incentive system treats all sumo wrestlers like royalty.

Explanation:

The text states low-ranked wrestlers have to serve elites, and a winning record (8+ wins) boosts ranking while a losing one lowers it, with elite status bringing clear advantages. This shows the system benefits elite wrestlers. The other options are incorrect: it does not penalize elites, does not treat all equally, and only elites get privileged treatment, not all wrestlers.

Answer:

The incentive system rewards elite sumo wrestlers.