In cities with rent control, the city government sets the maximum rent that a landlord can charge for an apartment. Supporters o

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问题     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 must pay, increases. Therefore, other things being equal, the number of workers that employers want decreases.  Thus, 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.
Which of the following statements is NOT true?

选项 A、The results of economic decisions can not always be predicted.
B、Minimum wage can not always protect employees.
C、Economic theory can predict the results of economic decisions if other factors are not changing.
D、Economic decisions should not be based on economic theory.

答案D

解析 细节判断题。依据第四段第二行“The predictions may be correct only if other things are equal’.”可得知A项是对的。从第二段可得知规定最低工资会使得雇主雇用更少的工人,会考虑用机器替代工人,也就会导致更多的人失业,所以B项应该是可以成立的说法。C项的内容实际上就是A项的另一种说法,也可成立。依据第四段内容,可得知D项不正确。经济理论应该有相当的参考价值,只是还需考虑方方面面的因素。
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