The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Demand for computer programmers is high.
This scenario is a classic example of the economic principles of supply and demand as they apply to the labor market. The fact that Cynthia, a computer programmer for mobile phones, received five job offers in a single week strongly indicates that her skills are highly sought after by employers.
In economics, demand refers to the desire of consumers, or in this case employers, to acquire a good or service. High demand for a particular type of labor means that many companies are trying to hire individuals with that specific skill set. When the number of available jobs (demand) is greater than the number of qualified people available to fill them (supply), a labor shortage occurs. This forces companies to compete against each other to attract and retain the talent they need. This competition often leads to higher salaries, better benefits, and multiple job offers for qualified candidates like Cynthia. Her situation clearly shows that businesses are actively and aggressively recruiting mobile phone programmers.
The other options are inconsistent with the scenario. If the demand for computer programmers were low (Option A), there would be few job openings, and Cynthia would likely struggle to find even one offer. If the supply of computer programmers were high (Option C), there would be a large pool of candidates competing for each position. This surplus of workers would make it much harder for any single individual to receive multiple offers. If demand and supply were equal (Option B), the market would be balanced. A skilled programmer would be in a good position, but receiving five offers in one week suggests an imbalance where demand significantly outweighs supply, rather than a state of equilibrium. Thus, high demand is the only explanation that fits the evidence.
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