Gender Wage Gap Trends by Year

Steps:

• Identify the percentage scale on the graph for women's wages relative to men's.
• Compare overall or average percentages across all ages in year 1 versus year 2.
• Note any upward shift in the year 2 line compared to year 1.
• Confirm the year 2 percentages exceed those in year 1 at most age points.

Why D is correct:

• The graph illustrates a direct increase in the wage ratio (women's earnings divided by men's, multiplied by 100), showing greater relative earnings for women in year 2 per the percentage formula.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: The graph compares relative percentages by age but provides no absolute wage data to confirm younger women earn more overall.
• B: The graph likely shows fluctuations or declines in percentages for ages 40-50, not stability.
• C: All percentages remain below 100%, indicating women earn less than men in year 2.

Final answer: D