Question 12

Explanation

This question asks us to draw a conclusion based on a hypothetical condition ("if improvements do not occur").

Let's analyze the logical relationship in the text:

1. Real Condition (with improvement): Even though there are improvements, poverty is still rife and inequality continues.
2. Hypothetical Condition (without improvement): If even with improvements the condition is still bad (poverty is rife, inequality continues), then logically, without any improvement, the condition would become worse or more severe.

Analysis of Options:

• Statement regarding wage/exchange rate factors: This relates to causes, not the direct impact of "lack of improvement" on the poverty status itself in the context of the first sentence.
• Statement regarding poverty decreasing: This contradicts logic. Without improvement, conditions cannot possibly get better.
• Statement regarding poverty continuing: This is the condition that happens when there are improvements. If there are no improvements, the condition should be more than just "continuing".
• Statement regarding poverty being very high: This is the most likely conclusion. If "with improvement" = "still rife/continuing", then "without improvement" = "very high/severe". The intensity of the problem would increase.

Therefore, the most likely conclusion is that poverty and inequality would be very high.