Question

which of these statements is best supported by the information shown in the graph? the fall of communism affected all countries equally. all eastern european countries successfully transitioned to market economies. no eastern european country has recovered from the fall of communism. some countries have closed the economic gap between eastern and western europe.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• "The fall of communism affected all countries equally": The graph shows different economic levels (e.g., Romania, Slovakia, Czech Rep. vs Italy) in 1996 and 2012, so effects weren't equal. Eliminate.
• "All Eastern European countries successfully transitioned to market economies": The graph only shows a few Eastern European countries (Romania, Slovakia, Czech Rep.) and we can't conclude all did. Eliminate.
• "No Eastern European country has recovered from the fall of communism": The red bars (2012) for Eastern European countries are much higher than blue (1996), showing economic growth/recovery. Eliminate.
• "Some countries have closed the economic gap between Eastern and Western Europe": For example, Czech Rep. or Slovakia in 2012 (red) are closer to Italy's (Western Europe) 2012 (red) than their 1996 (blue) to Italy's 1996 (blue), suggesting some closed the gap. This is supported.

Answer:

Some countries have closed the economic gap between Eastern and Western Europe.