A major factor contributing to productivity is

1. Analyze the question The question asks for a major factor that contributes to productivity. Productivity is the amount of output produced per unit of input (for example, output per worker or per hour).

2. Explain the concept Productivity depends on factors such as:

• The quality and skill of labour (education, training, health)
• Capital and technology
• Management and organisation
• Natural resources

Of these, labour is the main human input in production. How large, skilled and well-trained the labour force is determines how much a country can produce per unit of input.

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Immigration of young workers: This can add to the number of workers, but it is only one possible source of labour. It is not a general, major factor in productivity.
• B. The labour force: The size, skill, health and efficiency of the labour force directly affect output per worker. This is a core determinant of productivity.
• C. The baby boom of generation: This is a demographic event. It affects population size, not productivity directly.
• D. The rate of GDP per year: GDP growth is a result of productivity and other factors. It is not a cause of productivity.

4. Answer The labour force is the best answer.

5. Exam tip When a question asks for a "factor contributing to" something, watch out for options that are really outcomes (like GDP growth) or only indirect influences (like demographic events). Pick the option that is a direct input to production, such as labour, capital, land or entrepreneurship.