Passage Five
The small number of newborn babies, which has been caused by high prices and the changingsocial situation of women, is one of the rriost serious p~oblems in Asia. When people talk about it, you-,.
can hear a word invented in Japan," DINKS" ,which means Double Income No Kids.
In many major Asian cities like Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo, the cost of a house is extremelyhigh. A young couple who want to buy their own house may have to pay about $ 300,000 ( thoughprices have fallen). For a flat with one bedroom, one dining-room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, thecouple will pay about $ 900 a month. What'~ more, if they want to have a child, the child's educationis very expensive. For example, most kindergarten charges are at least $ 5,000 a year. In such asituation, it's difficult to afford children.
The number of married women who want to continue working increases rapidly because they en-joy their jobs. However, if they want to have children, they immediately have serious problems.Though most companies allow women to leave their jobs for a short time to have a baby, they expect women with babies to give up their jobs. In short, if they want to bring up children properly, both par-ents have to work, but it is hard for mothers to work. Indeed, women who want to continue working have to choose between having children or keeping their jobs.
In a word,Asian governments must take steps to improve the present situation as soon as possible.
( ) 52. The writer seems to believe that Asian governments should
A. let women stay at home and have a baby
B. allow only one of the parents to go out to work
C. care for the growing needs of women for jobs.
D. punish the companies that permit women to leave
答案：C
( )53. What is the main problem being discussed in the passage?
A. The small number of newborn babies.
B. The changing social situation of women.
C. The high prices of houses and education.
D. The necessary steps of Asian governments.
答案：A
( )54. According to the passage,which of the following is TRUE?
A. It is easy for a couple to afford a child in Asia.
B. The prices of houses in Asia are quite low now.
C. Fewer and fewer married women want to have a job.
D. The word "DINKS" first appeared in an Asian country.
答案：D
( ) 55. To buy a flat and send a child to kindergarten, how much will a couple pay each year?
A. $ 5,000.
B. $ 5,900.
C. $10,800.
D. $15,800.
答案：D
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