Middle-class vs. underclass

[Peter3791]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #805 "The Labor Force (1)", question 8

The largest group of workers, the ......... class, is currently shrinking.

(a) middle
(b) under
(c) upper
(d) low

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #805 "The Labor Force (1)", answer 8

The largest group of workers, the middle class, is currently shrinking.

Correct answer: (a) middle

Your answer was: incorrect
The largest group of workers, the under class, is currently shrinking.
_________________________

I believe that workers can belong to the middle class in one country and to the underclass in another.

The following variant of the sentence would be less ambiguous:
The largest group of BRITISH (FRENCH, US) workers, the middle class, is currently shrinking.

[Vaishnavi]

Sir,
I couldn't get it.What is the difference between under and middle class?

[Torsten]

Hi Peter, many thanks for pointing this out. I've made the correction and it will appear online soon. Vaishnavi, the underclass is a group of people who have the least amount of privileges within a society. If you google the term you will get more comprehensive definitions.

TOEIC listening, talks: Commercial offering special prices on mens' suits

[Vaishnavi]

Thankyou so much for clearing out my doubts and I would surely google.

[Torsten]

Hi Vaishnavi, I think "clear out my doubts" is an Indian expression. In English we say 'thanks for answering my question' or 'thanks for clarifying this point'.

TOEIC listening, talks: Tour guide is giving information on various buildings during sightseeing tour

[Vaishnavi]

Thank you Sir for answering my questions,I'll keep this in my mind.