Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions. People are living longer and, in some parts of the world, healthier lives. This represents one of the crowning achievements of the last century, but also a significant challenge. Longer lives must be planned for. Societal aging may affect economic growth and lead to many other issues, including the sustainability of families, the ability of states and communities to provide resources for older citizens, and international relations. The Global Burden of Disease, a study conducted by the World Health Organization, predicts a very large increase in age-related chronic disease in all regions of the world. Dealing with this will be a significant challenge for all countries’ health services. Population aging is driven by declines in fertility and improvements in health and longevity. In more developed countries, falling fertility beginning in the early 1900’s has resulted in current levels being below the population replacement rate of two live births per woman. Perhaps the most surprising demographic development of the past 20 years has been the pace of fertility decline in many less developed countries. In 2006, for example, the total fertility rate was at or below the replacement rate in 44 less developed countries. One central issue for policymakers in regard to pension funds is the relationship between the official retirement age and actual retirement age. Over several decades in the latter part of the 20th century, many of the more developed nations lowered the official age at which people become fully entitled to public pension benefits. This was propelled by general economic conditions, changes in welfare philosophy, and private pension trends. Despite the recent trend toward increased workforce participation at older ages, a significant gap between official and actual ages of retirement persists. This trend is emerging in rapidly aging developing countries as well. Many countries already have taken steps towards much-needed reform of their old-age social insurance programs. One common reform has been to raise the age at which workers are eligible for full public pension benefits. Another strategy for bolstering economic security for older people has been to increase the contributions by workers. Other measures to enhance income for older people include new financial instruments for private savings, tax incentives for individual retirement savings, and supplemental occupational pension plans.
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.
THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is awarded annually for full-length novels of writers from the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland with a view to representing the very best in contemporary fiction. The prestigious prize was originally called the Booker-McConnell Prize, the name of the sponsor company; however, it was better-known as the “Booker Prize”. In 2002, the name was modified when Man Group became the sponsor and they keep the word "Booker”. Books from publishers can be submitted for consideration for the prize. In addition, the judges can sometimes send invitations to authors if they think the books should be included. Initially, the Advisory Committee give advice if there are any changes to the rules for the prize. Then, the people who will judge the books will be selected. There is an annual change in the judging panel and usually an individual is only a judge once. The organizers also made to ensure that the judging panel is balanced in terms of gender and professions. Normally a writer, a critic, an editor and an academic are chosen along with a celebrity from wider society. Nevertheless, when the panel of judges has been confirmed, they are left to make their own decisions without any further involvement or interference from the prize sponsor. The Booker Prize is highly appreciated because it rewards the finest in fiction, features great books to readers and transforms authors' careers. The influence of the prize is so huge that the winner will almost certainly see the sales increase considerably, along with the £50.000 that comes with the prize.
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
GOOD FRIENDS
Psychologists have long known that having a set of cherished companions is crucial to mental well-being. A recent study by Australian investigators concluded that our friends even help to (46)_______our lives. The study concentrated on the social environment, general health, and lifestyle of 1,477 persons older than 70 years. The participants were asked how (47) ________ contact they had with friends, children, relatives and acquaintances. Researchers were surprised to learn that friendships increased life (48)________ to a far greater extent than frequent contact with children and other relatives. This benefit held true even after these friends had moved away to another city and was independent of factors such as socio- economic status, health, and way of life. According to scientists, the ability to have relationships with people to (49) _________one is important has a positive effect on physical and mental health. Stress and tendency towards depression are reduced, and behaviours that are damaging to health, such as smoking and drinking, occur less frequently. (50)__________, our support networks, in times of calamity in particular, can raise our moods and feelings of self-worth and offer helpful strategies for dealing with difficult personal challenges.