6. After peaking in the 1980s, the U.S. divorce rate began dropping. There are a number of reasons to explain this. One factor contributing to decreasing divorce rates is that more people are delaying marriage. Wealthier people often postpone marriage until they complete their education and earn more money. Another cause for the decrease in divorce is that it has become more socially acceptable for unmarried couples to live together. As a result, unstable relationships end before, rather than after, couples marry. Women’s greater financial independence and more available birth control also allow women more freedom to make decisions about whether and when to marry. A man’s income—and a marriage—are no longer needed for survival.

The selection’s main pattern of organization is: (Click on the pattern of organization.)
a. definition and example.

b. comparison.

c. contrast.

d. cause and effect.