While surfing television channels over the weekend,a scene from a family classic of last year portraying the now-so-familiar sorry state of retired parents being ill-treated by their children and families caught my attention. I wondered why the description of this relationship had not changed much over the many years! Even though the same movies and soaps accurately capture several other social changes around us — from value systems to new found economic freedom to the importance of technology and the changing approach to consumerism(消費主義) — are these creative efforts far from the truth in telling us that an average retiree is still struggling?
Look around and you will agree that the post-retired lifestyle for an ex-salaried class people is often a pale shadow of their last working years. Even self employed people, who have handed over the responsibility to the next generation, are no exception. Did the average middle class not save enough through his working years?
Socially, we already know that the Indians are taught the benefits of start saving early on in life. Household savings data supports this social behavior — India has the highest rates of savings among various economies and is far ahead of the west. Yet, tragically, a lifetime of savings does not seem to provide enough for a comfortable retirement!
A closer look at the pattern of what we do with our financial savings may tell us a bit more. Over half of households’ financial savings is put into a “safe” deposit, followed by large portions in insurance, pension, provident funds(福利基金) and the rest in physical currency. Less than a tenth goes into “risky” assets(資產(chǎn)) like stocks. While there might be nothing, in particular, worrisome in this investment pool, one has to consider inflation(通貨膨脹). The real value of savings, over a few decades, may actually be lower than the starting point.
【小題1】What had not changed much over the many years according to the passage?

A.Value systemsB.The poor situation of retirees
C.Economic freedomD.Approach to consumerism
【小題2】Which of the following statements about saving in India is right?
A.the concept of saving has been well received by Indians.
B.the amount of the savings ranks number one across the world.
C.long-standing savings can help the retirees live a care-free life.
D.saving early can not benefit people at all.
【小題3】 What can be inferred according to the last paragraph?
A.Half of the financial savings in stocks can be accepted.
B.The real value of saving must be lowered in a few years.
C.A loss of savings may hardly be avoided.
D.Inflation can be avoided on condition that you consume instead of saving.
【小題4】What’s the best title of the text?
A.Retirees being treated unfairly
B.Is saving enough
C.Saving in India
D.How to deal with saving

【小題1】B【小題1】A【小題1】C【小題1】B

解析

練習(xí)冊系列答案
相關(guān)習(xí)題

科目:高中英語 來源:2011屆浙江省杭州師范大學(xué)附屬中學(xué)高三上學(xué)期第一次月考英語卷 題型:閱讀理解

B
HOTEL INFORMATION
Baymont Inn Ft.Lauderdale
3800 W.Commercial, Ft. Lauderdale.FL 33309
Lowest Prices 110% Guaranteed (保證)
Room Information
Rooms are equipped with Double, Queen , or King bed (s) , smoking or non-smoking based on location and availability. Provided in each spacious guest room is a hair dryer, coffee maker, iron, ironing board, 25’TV and guest voice mail.
Check-in Time:7:00 P. M.
Hotel Amenities:Air Conditioned, Free Parking, 24 Hour Front Desk, Pool, Television with Cable, Coffee Maker in Room, Hairdryers Available.
Beach Plaza Hotel
625 N.Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33304
Room Information
The oceanfront accommodations at Beach Plaza Hotel are some of the most affordable on Fort Lauderdale Beach.Each room features direct-dial telephone, cable television and daily maid service.The very affordable efficiency studios even include full kitchens! All rooms surround the private poolside garden courtyard.
Check-in Time:7:05 P. M.
Hotel Amenities:Air Conditioned, Coffee Maker in Room, 24 Hour Front Desk, Parking, Hairdryers Available, Pool, Television with Cable.
Fort Lauderdale Plaza Hotel
3711 N.Ocean Blvd, Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33308
Room Information
Guest rooms feature TVs, in-room movies, Internet access, in-room safes, alarm clock radios, hairdryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and balconies.
Check-in Time:7:00 A.M.
Hotel Amenities:Parking,Heated Pool, Television with Cable, and Coffee Maker in Room.
【小題1】Which hotel gives a promise?

A.Baymont Inn Ft . Lauderdale.B.Beach Plaza Hotel.
C.Baymont Inn Hotel.D.Fort Lauderdale Plaza Hotel.
【小題2】In which hotel parking is the cheapest?
A.Baymont Inn Ft . Lauderdale.B.Beach Plaza Hotel.
C.Baymont Inn Hotel.D.Fort Lauderdale Plaza Hotel.
【小題3】If you ______ , you will probably go to Beach Plaza Hotel.
A.enjoy seeing films without leaving your hotel room
B.a(chǎn)re fond of swimming in heated water
C.want to eat food cooked by yourself in the hotel
D.a(chǎn)re a cigarette smoker
【小題4】Which of the following is NOT true to the ads? 
A.All of the three hotels provide television with cable.
B.You can keep your money in the room safe in Fort Lauderdale Plaza Hotel.
C.In Beach Plaza Hotel a 24-hour maid is available.
D.While staying in Fort Lauderdale Plaza Hotel, you can surf the Internet.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2015屆河南靈寶第三高級中學(xué)高一下期第三次質(zhì)量檢測英語卷(解析版) 題型:閱讀理解

These days, many passers-by always spot a beggar on the Jiaochangkou Street in Yuzhong District of Chongqing in southwest China.

The beggar’s name is Xia Haibo, and he was born in Meihe Village, Tianmen City of Hubei Province. Being 25 years old, he is quite a special beggar in some ways — he doesn’t beg on his knees, as other beggars do when begging. Rather, he often stands in the crowded street, either reading a book or thinking about something carefully. He also started a blog on the Internet which has been clicked more than 500,000 times. He likes reading — he has read many classical Chinese poems. He has kept writing and recently, he has planned to publish his writings.

In 1998, Xia entered Tianmen Middle School as the best student in his town. However, a year before he took the college entrance examination, he came down with a high fever and was later diagnosed (診斷) as having rheumatoid arthritis (類風(fēng)濕性關(guān)節(jié)炎). In order to treat his disease, his father borrowed 60,000 yuan from relatives and friends. However, with this money, he didn’t recover from the disease. He did not want to become a burden (負(fù)擔(dān)) to his family any more. So in July, 2006, he left his hometown and went to Wuhan to make a living by begging.

Begging has become a job to Xia now. However, he doesn’t plan to go on living like this. “By July 24, 2008, when I have been begging for two years, I will stop my begging life. I promise,” he said.

It is his plan that by using the money he “earns”, he will rent a small shop in his hometown and keep on writing in his spare time.

Right now, he is trying to finish a book of his own. The book, called Love Is With Me, tells about the people who helped him during his begging life.

1.The underlined word “spot” in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to “______”.

A.forgive           B.record            C.beat             D.notice

2.When did Xia Haibo get the serious illness?

A.In 1998.          B.In 2001.           C.In 2000.           D.In 2006.

3.How does Xia beg in the street?

A.He begs on his knees in the street.

B.He writes Chinese poems for those who like poems.

C.He reads or thinks while standing in the street.

D.He teaches people how to surf the Internet.

4. Which of the following is NOT true about Xia Haibo?

A.His dream is to have his book published.

B.He will not stop begging until he earns enough money for his future life.

C.He is writing a book to express his thanks to those who helped him.

D.He will keep writing while running a small business.

 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2015屆貴州省高一上學(xué)期期中考試英語卷(解析版) 題型:閱讀理解

How to protect children Web fans from unsuitable material on-line while encouraging them to use the Internet has long been discussed in the US.

For some parents, the Internet can seem like a jungle, filled with danger for their children. But jungles contain wonders as well as danger. With good guides, some education, and a few precautions(預(yù)防 ), the wilds of the Internet can be safely navigated. “Kids have to be on-line. If we tell our kids they can’t be allowed to surf the Internet, we’re cutting them off from their future,” said an expert.

Most kids have started to use search engines. Many of them are great for finding tons of interesting Internet sites, and they can also locate places where you might not want your kids to go. There are search engines designed just for kids. A certain software contains only sites that have been selected as safe. The most popular way would be to use what is known as a “content screener”. But this can’t be wholly reliable(可靠 ), and the best thing parents can do is to talk to their kids and let them know what is OK or not OK to see or do on the Internet. Another way is that mum or dad is nearby when the child is surfing the Internet.

A few other tips:

—Do not put the PC in a child’s room but keep it in an area where mum or dad can keep an eye on things. That also makes the Internet more of a family activity.

—Ask your child what he or she has been doing and about any friends they make on-line.

―Tell your child not to give on-line strangers personal information, especially like address and phone number.

And tell your children never to talk to anyone they meet on-line over the phone, send them anything, accept anything from them or agree to meet with them unless you go along.

1.What is the best way to protect children from improper material?

A.To talk to the children and persuade them to tell right from wrong.

B.To be nearby when the children are surfing the Internet.

C.To fix a content screener on the computer.

D.To buy some search engines for children.

2.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

A.Surfing the Internet is the best way of educating children.

B.Using a content screener is most reliable for keeping children from having ways to the Internet.

C.Searching engines can help children to select materials fit for them.

D.Children’s not having chances to go to the Internet may have effect on their progress.

3.According to the passage, we can infer that ____.

A.softwares that are fit for children who want programming

B.the Internet contains a lot of harmful sites

C.the Internet will be protected by law

D.a(chǎn) child who is on-line is in danger

4.What does the passage tell us most?

A.Education

B.Good guides

C.Precautions

D.Software

 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2012-2013學(xué)年遼寧省高三上學(xué)期第三次月考英語試卷(解析版) 題型:閱讀理解

Is there something that you've always wanted to try but just never had the time? Well, make plans to try it now since you are on summer vacation. Not all vacations call for taking a tour bus to take photos of famous landmarks. Some vacations allow you plenty of opportunities to learn.

The most difficult aspect of a learning vacation may be choosing one because the possibilities are endless. If you enjoy cooking, various companies can take you to Italy, France, Spain, Mexico or even Peru. Once there, you can learn to prepare the local cuisine(烹飪). Trips are often planned to fit in with local food festivals or special events.

The term “l(fā)earning vacation” often brings language to mind. The best way to learn a language is in an environment where it's spoken. Study Spanish, French or English. Or attempt a more unusual language like Polish, Estonian or Thai. You'll be able to learn about the country and absorb the culture at the same time.

If you are fond of sports, you can polish your skills or learn new ones. Golf and tennis schools welcome players of all levels. If you want a bigger thrill, you can learn to surf, go climbing or race cars. It's even possible to learn the art and techniques of bull fighting while on vacation!

You can also discover our inner artist.  Many places offer painting classes in different mediums. The scenic locations, of the schools offer plenty of subjects that provide inspiration for practice.

If you prefer capturing the world on film, take a photography vacation. Travel with a small group to photograph beautiful animals or scenery.  You can also practise your technique on people or at historical sights.

Once you decide on a vacation, choose a company carefully.  Request names of recent customers you can contact,  and then ask them for an evaluation. The more you know before you go,  the better prepared you'll be.  Then go out and learn something!

1.Why is it hard for you to decide on a learning vacation?

A.Because it is hard for you to make plans.

B.Because the possibilities are unlimited.

C.Because there are many good foods from abroad.

D.Because there're too many food festivals or events.

2.The advantage of learning a language in its native country is that ________.

A.the environment is fit for you to use the language

B.you are able to learn the original foreign language

C. native speakers offer you a lot of chances to practise

D.you can learn the language and experience its culture

3.Which of the following sports suits you if you don't like thrills?

A.Car racing.

B.Playing tennis.

C.Rock climbing.

D.Surfing.

 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:山東省2009-2010學(xué)年高二下學(xué)期期中考試英語試題 題型:閱讀理解

 

Domestic airline passengers will be able to make phone calls and send e-mails from the sky from next year, a local carrier has said.

Shenzhen Airlines said on Monday it has signed an agreement with Geneva-based On-Air to provide passengers with in-flight communications services on all its planes by the end of 2009. The service will be introduced on three aircraft ahead of the 2008 Olympics, on two routes----from Shenzhen to Beijing and Shenzhen to Shanghai, the airline said.

Passengers will be able to use their own electronic devices to send e-mails and short messages, make calls and surf the Internet, it said. The service is expected to be of particular interest to business travelers.

According to a survey at the end of last year, China had 4.55 million mobile-phone subscribers. Ninety-three percent of those polled said they wished they could send and receive e-mails and messages while on a plane.

Despite the introduction of the new service, passengers will still be prevented from using their cell phones and laptops when the plane is taking off and landing, or flying at less than 3,000 m above sea level, the official said.

The official said the new service would not lead to an increase in ticket prices, but users of Chinese mobile-phone services will be charged the international roaming rate for any calls made from the sky.

Shenzhen Airlines is the first Chinese carrier to provide such in-flight communications services. Its president, Li Kun, said installing the facilities will cost 4.5 million yuan ($596,000) per aircraft.  However, the project still needs to be approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, a source said.

1. According to the report, passengers can      on the plane by the end of 2009.

A. make phone calls    B. surf the Internet     

C. send short messages      D. all of the above

2. We can learn that the new service will be introduced           .

A. on two routes   B. in two cities    C. after the Beijing Olympics       D. on two aircrafts

3. Passengers will still be prevented from using their cell phones in the following situations except_______.

A. when the plane is taking off               B. when the plane is landing

C. when the plane is flying at less than 3,000 m in above sea level

D. when the plane is flying at 4,000 m above sea level

4. It can be inferred that the new service will probably cause           .

A. higher ticket prices   B. lower ticket prices  C. higher cell phone fee   D. lower cell phone fee

5. What’s the main idea of the passage?

  A. Domestic airline needs to improve their service.

  B. Domestic airline will make phone calls and e-mails available.

  C. Chinese mobile-phone services will help domestic airline.

  D. Chinese mobile-phone will charge more.

 

查看答案和解析>>

同步練習(xí)冊答案