Read the following passage about Global Labour Market Challenges in 2024 and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate t...

Read the following passage about Global Labour Market Challenges in 2024 and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

The International Labour Organisation's latest assessment reveals that despite achieving a historically low unemployment rate of approximately 5% in 2024, global labor markets conceal profound structural deficiencies. This ostensibly encouraging statistic masks underlying vulnerabilities that undermine sustainable economic development and social cohesion across diverse geographical regions. Contemporary economic indicators frequently obscure systemic inequalities that perpetuate labor market fragmentation and inhibit comprehensive recovery efforts.

Youth unemployment presents particularly alarming trends, persisting at approximately 12.6% globally. Numerous young individuals remain trapped within NEET status—neither engaged in education, employment, nor vocational training programs. This phenomenon disproportionately affects developing economies, where their educational infrastructure and employment opportunities remain inadequate. The proliferation of such circumstances threatens long-term human capital development and perpetuates intergenerational poverty cycles. Educational misalignment with market demands exacerbates these challenges, creating substantial skill gaps that hinder economic progression.

Informal employment sectors continue dominating labor markets, with working poverty and underemployment reverting to pre-pandemic levels. These conditions significantly impede progress toward establishing decent work standards. Furthermore, global productivity growth demonstrates concerning stagnation, while structural economic transformation toward higher-value manufacturing and service industries remains largely stalled. Consequently, newly created positions predominantly offer minimal compensation and limited advancement prospects. Technological disruption compounds these difficulties, displacing traditional employment patterns without providing adequate alternative opportunities.

Regional disparities exacerbate these challenges, with women, youth, and populations in low-income areas bearing disproportionate burdens. The report emphasizes that without comprehensive policy interventions, decent work deficits will persist, jeopardizing the achievements of Sustainable Development Goal 8. Recommended strategies encompass enhancing skills development, formalizing employment arrangements, strengthening social protection mechanisms, facilitating economic transformation, and ensuring equitable management of green and digital transitions. International cooperation becomes increasingly vital for implementing sustainable solutions that address multifaceted labor market complexities.

https://www.ilo.org/lk

Question 23: All of the following are mentioned as challenges EXCEPT _________.

A. Currency fluctuation impacts employment.

B. Youth unemployment is reaching 12.6% globally

C. Informal employment sectors dominate labor markets

D. Regional disparities affecting vulnerable populations

Question 24: The word “deficiencies” in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

A. inadequacies                                B. limitations                        C. vulnerabilities                                D. proficiencies

Question 25: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.

A. young individuals

B. vocational training programs

C. developing economies

D. employment opportunities

Question 26: The word “reverting” in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by _________.

A. escalating                                        B. deteriorating                        C. returning                                        D. consolidating

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Geographic inequalities worsen problems, affecting marginalized communities unequally across economic sectors.

B. Regional differences intensify challenges, with vulnerable groups experiencing more severe consequences than others.

C. Territorial imbalances amplify difficulties, causing disadvantaged populations to face greater urban employment obstacles.

D. Economic variations between areas compound issues, leading excluded societies to encounter increased opportunity barriers.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Global unemployment reached 5% in 2024, representing historically low levels despite underlying structural deficiencies.

B. Youth unemployment decreased below 12.6% globally due to enhanced infrastructure and expanded opportunities.

C. Technological disruption provided adequate alternatives while successfully mitigating traditional job displacement concerns.

D. Global productivity growth improved significantly while structural transformation toward higher-value industries accelerated.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention what the main consequence of stalled structural transformation is?

A. Paragraph 2                                B. Paragraph 1                        C. Paragraph 4                                D. Paragraph 3

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention which groups are specifically mentioned as facing disproportionate challenges?

A. Paragraph 2                                B. Paragraph 1                        C. Paragraph 4                                D. Paragraph 3