Question

Rita: The original purpose of government farm subsidy programs was to provide income stability for small family farmers. But most farm-subsidy money goes to a few farmers with large holdings. Payments to farmers whose income, before subsidies, is greater than $100,000 a year should be stopped.
Thomas: It would be impossible to administer such a cut-off point. Subsidies are needed during the planting and growing season, but farmers do not know their income for given calendar year until tax returns are calculated and submitted the following April.
Which one of the following, if true, is the strongest counter Rita can make to Thomas' objection?
(A) It has become difficult for small farmers to obtain bank loans to be repaid later by money from subsidies.
(B) Having such a cut-off point would cause some farmers whose income would otherwise exceed $100,000 to reduce their plantings.
(C) The income of a farmer varies because weather and market prices are not stable from year to year.
(D) If subsidy payments to large farmers were eliminated the financial condition of the government would improve.
(E) Subsidy cut-offs can be determined on the basis of income for the preceding year.

Answer 1

Answer: E. Subsidy cut-offs can be determined on the basis of income for the preceding year.

Explanation:

Since Thomas counters Rita's point stating that during the initial part of the season, subsidies are needed. On the other hand, the income for the year will be calculated when the year ends.

To counter Thomas, it should be noted that Rita can say that subsidy cut-offs can be determined on the basis of income for the preceding year.