Passage 1: At Issue: Outsourcing 1 Outsourcing, also termed offshoring or contracting out, is defined as the practice of subcontracting work to outside and especially foreign or nonunion companies. In light of a weakened U. S. economy and high unemployment rates, the debate over outsourcing is a controversial and divisive issue. While not a new phenomenon, the current controversy seems to be fueled by the addition of white-collar jobs to what has historically been limited to semi-skilled or unskilled labor. In 2006, the Hackett Group released a report stating that the typical Fortune 500 Company could save $116 million a year by transferring jobs abroad. Proponents of outsourcing say it helps companies remain competitive in the global marketplace, adding that globalization helps consumers through cheaper products and services. Critics of outsourcing argue, however, that outsourcing leads to the loss of intellectual assets to overseas operations and the loss of jobs for U. S. workers.

Select two explanations of how the structure of Passage 1 impacts the meaning of the passage?

a. The author uses imagery to help the reader visualize what manufacturers looked like in China.

b. The author provides an overview of what outsourcing is along with advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing.

c. The author is objectively discussing both sides of outsourcing without taking a persuasive stance. This allows the reader to weigh both sides of an issue.

d. The author includes sequential events where information about outsourcing is organized by the original dates. This helps the reader identify key events of outsourcing.

e. The author utilizes a problem and solution format where information in a passage is expressed about a concerning issue and something that was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue.