阅读理解。
The government may control prices when there is a problem such as rapidly increasing rents or a rise in
the cost of living. When the government controls prices, there is no longer a normal relationship between the
price of a product and the quantity consumers will buy. Government controls may help in an emergency.
However, some economists believe that the controls can have negative effects over a long period of time.
In cities with rent control, the city government sets the maximum rent that a landlord can charge for an
apartment. Supporters of rent control argue that it protects people who are living in apartments. Their rent
cannot increase; therefore, they are not in danger of losing their homes. However, the critics say that after
a long time, rent control may have negative effects. Landlords know that they cannot increase their profits.
Therefore, they invest in other businesses where they can increase their profits. They do not invest in new
buildings which would also be rent-controlled. As a result, new apartments are not built. Many people who
need apartments cannot find any. According to the critics, the end result of rent control is a shortage of
apartments in the city.
Some theorists argue that the minimum wage law can cause problems in the same way. The federal
government sets the minimum that an employer must pay workers. The minimum helps people who generally
look for unskilled, low paying jobs. However, if the minimum is high, employers may hire fewer workers.
They will replace workers with machinery. The price which is the wage that employers want decreases.
Thus, the critics claim, an increase in the minimum wage may cause unemployment. Some poor people may
find themselves without jobs instead of with jobs at the minimum wage.
Supporters of the minimum wage say that it helps people keep their dignity. Because of the law, workers
cannot sell their services for less than the minimum. Furthermore, employers cannot force workers to accept
jobs at unfair wages.
Economic theory predicts the results of economic decisions such as decisions about farm production, rent
control, and the minimum wage. The predictions may be correct only if "other things are equal". Economists
do not agree on some of the predictions. They also do not agree on the value of different decisions. Some
economists support a particular decision while others criticize it. Economists do agree, however, that there
are no simple answers to economic questions.
1. There is the possibility that setting maximum rent may ____.
A. cause a shortage of apartments
B. worry those who rent apartments as homes
C. increase the profits of landlords
D. encourage landlords to invest in building apartments
2. The problem of unemployment will arise ____.
A. if the minimum wage is set too high
B. if the minimum wage is set too low
C. if the workers are unskilled
D. if the maximum wage is set
3. The passage tells us ____.
A. the relationship between supply and demand
B. the possible results of government controls
C. the necessity of government controls
D. the urgency of getting rid of government controls
