|
[During the past generation], the American middle-class family( that once could count on hard work and fair play [to keep itself financially secure]) had been transformed [by economic risk and new realities]. Now a pink slip, a bad diagnosis, or a disappearing spouse can reduce a family from solidly middle class<< to newly poor >>[in a few months]. [In just one generation], millions of mothers have gone to work, [transforming basic family economics]. Scholars, policymakers, and critics of all stripes have debated the social implications (of these changes), but few have looked at the side effect:{ family risk has risen as well}. Today’s families have budgeted [to the limits] (of their new two-paycheck status). As a result, they have lost the parachute (they once had [in times of financial setback])– {a back-up earner (usually Mom)} (who could go into the workforce [if the primary earner got laid off or fell sick]). This “added-worker effect” could support the safety net (offered by unemployment insurance or disability insurance )[to help families weather bad times]. But today, a disruption (to family fortunes) can no longer be made up [with extra income]( from an otherwise-stay-at-home partner). [During the same period], families have been asked <to absorb much more risk >[in their retirement income]. Steelworkers, airline employees, and now those (in the auto industry) are joining millions of families (who must worry about interest rates, stock market fluctuation, and the harsh reality ){that they may outlive their retirement money}. [For much of the past year], President Bush campaigned to move Social Security to a saving-account model, {with retirees trading much or all of their guaranteed payments for payments (depending on investment returns)}. [For younger families], the picture is not <any better>. Both the absolute cost of healthcare and the share of it (borne by families)have risen – and newly fashionable health-savings plans are spreading [from legislative halls to Wal-Mart workers], [with much higher deductibles and a large new dose of investment risk[ for families’ future healthcare]]. Even demographics are working against the middle class family, [as the odds (of having a weak elderly parent) – and all the attendant need( for physical and financial assistance) – have jumped [eightfold] in just one generation]. [From the middle-class family perspective], much of this, understandably, looks <far less like an opportunity >(to exercise more financial responsibility), and <a good deal more like a frightening acceleration>(of the wholesale shift of financial risk onto their already overburdened shoulders). The financial fallout has begun, and the political fallout may not be far behind. 2007.3 31. Today’s double-income families are <at greater financial risk> in that [A] the safety net (they used to enjoy )has disappeared. [B] their chances (of being laid off ) have greatly increased. [C] they are <more vulnerable to changes>[ in family economics]. [D] they are <deprived of unemployment or disability insurance>. 32. As a result of President Bush’s reform, retired people may have [A] a higher sense of security. [B] less secured payments. [C] less chance to invest. [D] a guaranteed future. 33. According to the author, health-savings plans will [A] help reduce the cost of healthcare. [B] popularize[ among the middle class]. [C] compensate (for the reduced pensions). [D] increase the families’ investment risk. 34. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that [A] financial risks tend to outweigh political risks. [B] the middle class may face greater political challenges. [C] financial problems may bring about political problems. [D] financial responsibility is <an indicator of political status>. 35. Which of the following is the best title for this text? [A] The Middle Class on the Alert [B] The Middle Class on the Cliff [C] The Middle Class in Conflict [D] The Middle Class in Ruins
|
|
|
