<p>The correct answer is <strong>(A) comparable</strong>.</p>
<p>The word "comparable" is the adjective form of the verb "compare." In this sentence, we need an adjective to describe the unemployment rate for this year in relation to the rates recorded over the past two years.</p>
<p>The adjective "comparable" means "able to be compared" or "similar." It is used to indicate that two or more things can be compared or are similar in some way.</p>
<p>In this sentence, "comparable" is the best choice because it accurately conveys that the unemployment rate for this year can be compared to the rates recorded over the past two years. It suggests that there is a similarity or possibility of comparison between the two sets of rates.</p>
<p>(B) "comparative" is incorrect because it is the wrong form of the word. "Comparative" is an adjective that is used to compare two or more things. For example, "comparative analysis" or "comparative study." In this sentence, we are not comparing the unemployment rate to anything else, so "comparative" is not appropriate.</p>
<p>(C) "comparison" is incorrect because it is a noun, not an adjective. It refers to the act or process of comparing or the result of comparing. In this sentence, we need an adjective to describe the unemployment rate, not a noun.</p>
<p>(D) "comparing" is incorrect because it is a verb form, specifically the present participle of the verb "compare." It is not the appropriate form to use in this sentence, as we need an adjective to describe the unemployment rate, not a verb.</p>