In many developed countries, people who have high degrees begin to work longer than those who don’t. About 65% of American men aged 62－74 with a professional degree are in the workforce (劳动人口), compared with 32% of men who only finish high school. This gap is part of a deepening divide between the well-educated wealthy and the unskilled poor. Rapid technological advance has raised the incomes of the highly skilled while squeezing those of the unskilled. The consequences, for individuals and society, are profound .
The world is facing an astonishing rise in the number of old people, and they will live longer than ever before. Over the next 20 years the global population of those aged 65 or more will almost double, from 600 million to 1.1 billion. The experience of the 20th century, when greater longevity (长寿) translated into more years in retirement rather than more years at work, has persuaded many observers that this shift (变化) will lead to slower economic growth, while the swelling (渐增的) ranks of pensioners will create government budget problems.
Policies are partly responsible. Many European governments have abandoned policies that used to encourage people to retire early. Even the better-off must work longer to have a comfortable retirement. But the changing nature of work also plays a big role. Pay has risen sharply for the highly educated, and those people continue to reap (获得) rich rewards into old age because these days the educated elderly are more productive than the preceding (先前的) generation. Technological change may well reinforce (强化) that shift: the skills that complement (补充) computers, from management know-how to creativity, do not necessarily decline with age.
1.What is the common phenomenon in the workforce in rich countries?
A.Younger people are replacing the elderly.
B.People with no college degree cannot find any job.
C.Well-educated people tend to work longer.
D.Unemployment rates are decreasing year after year.
2.In view of the experience of the 20th century, many observers predict that ________.
A.there will be more competition in the job market
B.government budgets will decrease
C.more people will try to receive higher education
D.economic growth will slow down
3.According to the text, what is the result of policy changes in European countries?
A.Unskilled workers may choose to retire early.
B.Even wealthy people must work longer to live comfortably in retirement.
C.People may be able to use computers to do more complicated work.
D.More and more people have to go abroad to hunt for jobs.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.In which country is the speaker now?
A.America. B.England. C.Australia.
2.When was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry published?
A.In 2007. B.In 2012. C.In 2014.
3.What award has the speaker won?
A.The Man Booker Prize.
B.The Commonwealth Book Prize.
C.The Tinniswood Award.
4.What will the speaker do next?
A.Introduce her works. B.Answer questions. C.Visit the library.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What’s the man’s plan for this summer?
A.Working at musical festivals. B.Doing a market survey.
C.Staying with his family.
2.Where will the woman probably work this summer?
A.In a restaurant. B.In a hotel. C.On a farm.
3.How long will the woman work every day?
A.4 hours. B.5 hours. C.6 hours.
4.Where did the woman get the job information?
A.From her friend. B.From a magazine. C.From her parents.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the weather like now?
A.Warm and sunny. B.Chilly and snowy. C.Cold and cloudy.
2.How will the man go to work?
A.On foot. B.By bus. C.By car.
3.What is the woman trying to persuade the man to do?
A.Listen to the forecast. B.Wear warm clothes. C.Go out for lunch.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the man do?
A.A sportsman. B.A tour guide. C.A sports writer.
2.What does the woman think of the man’s job?
A.Tiring. B.Great. C.Boring.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What happened to the speakers?
A.They had difficulty getting a map.
B.They lost their way.
C.They were given the wrong directions.
2.What will the woman do?
A.Drive the car. B.Blame the man. C.Call her sister.
