People usually go for short vacations during weekends or plan for a getaway. People of different class have different ways of spending their free time or weekends. People of lower class and middle class usually prefer to stay in the country (38) high class people love spending time out abroad in vacation. The present generation has become kind of self dependent and have less time to spend with the family. The (39) rise can be a reason behind the increasing generation gap. The young generation has become very friendly with the use of technology and gadgets and all the materialistic things. The lifestyle pattern thus is changing over time with the spread of technology and materialistic things which in one sense is acting as a (40) in the relationship of parents and children with changing times in American society.
A) barrierI) friendly
B) whereas J) acting
C) changed K) social
D) individuality L) basically
E) beloved M) raised
F) professional N) smart
G) technological O) standard
H) faith
Section B（每題2分，20分）
Directions:There are 2 passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center.
Passage One
Questions 41 to 45 are based on the following passage.
Another example of Australia's “changing lifestyle expectations” involves the curious rise of the “middle-class battler” (middle-income earners who are generally well-educated and financially comfortable). More and more Australians have improved income levels, yet they are increasingly unable to afford the costs involved with their changing lifestyle expectations. As incomes improve, people have shown a tendency to want more of every type of consumer or luxury good: more properties, more cars, the latest digital technology, more shares and the latest fashion, known as over-consumption.
Our tendency to want a glamorous lifestyle has led to serious levels of household debt. Almost half of the richest Australian households believe they don't have enough money to satisfy their changing lifestyle expectations. Fewer people now live in each household, yet we are demanding larger houses and more expensive goods, leading to debt, overwork and even (resource depletion). It is not always possible to maintain a luxurious lifestyle.
The demand for “sea change” coastal lifestyles and urban“gentrification” is further evidence of changing lifestyle expectations. Many of us are moving to beachside areas for the appeal of the beach lifestyle. A “(sea change)” refers to the increased desire of many middle-class people to move closer to the beach/coast and away from the restrictions of suburbs. One in three Australians lives within 20 minutes of the beach.
“Gentrification” has occurred in older inner city areas of cities, where high-income professionals wish to live for the appeal of trendy city living. Urban consolidation (that is, medium-density housing) and urban renewal (new buildings and infrastructure for old suburbs) have resulted. Redevelopment of warehouses/old buildings has occurred in Sydney suburbs such as Pyrmont and Darling Harbour. The inner suburbs of Marrickville, Balmain, Glebe and Paddington have all been consolidated and renewed for the purpose of our changing lifestyle expectations. “Gentrified” suburbs feature countless stylish cafes and eateries, fashion outlets, cinemas and so on, representing an appealing lifestyle.
41. What is the big problem for people when they consume or buy more than they need?
A) Health risks.B) Debt.
C) Car problems. D) Over-consumption.
42. Others have created too much personal debt for themselves in pursuing a .
A) life of luxuryB) unbalanced life
C) life of poverty D) life of comfort
43. The term “resource depletion” is closest in meaning to .
A) endless use of natural resources
B) limited use of natural resources
C) human resources
D) a reduction in natural resources such as water and forests
44. A“sea change” lifestyle involves living .
A) in the heart of the countryB) by the sea
C) in the city D) in the suburbs
45. What is the passage mainly about?
A) The changing lifestyle of Australians.
B) The increase in numbers of people seeking “sea-change” coastal lifestyles.
C) Australia's “changing lifestyle expectations”.
D) The growth of urban “gentrified” communities.
Passage Two
Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.
As the saying goes, change is not always good. Healthcare costs have been increasing across the world in the past couple of years. One of the major reasons attributed to this is the changing lifestyle of people. Other common factors include genetic disorders, addictions, lack of knowledge on good nutrition and poverty. In some countries, healthcare has become inaccessible to people below poverty line. It has put a huge burden on the government.
Growing income levels and double income family are the major factors cited for the change in lifestyle. Lifestyle changes like eating junk food, having food outside frequently as there is no time to cook at home, unhealthy habits or addictions like use of nicotine, drugs, alcohol have further increased the healthcare costs. Some other factors contributing to healthcare costs are long working hours, working on different shifts, stress and tension. These changing habits result in various health problems such as obesity, respiratory problems, sleeplessness, hypertension and in worst cases of addiction it can even result in cancer or death.
Lack of health insurance also makes the matters worse. And with the recent economic depression many people have lost their jobs and millions are still below the poverty line. These people cannot afford a medical insurance.
Healthcare system as a whole also has to be modified and be in tune to the need of the patients. Sufficient healthcare workers, hospitals in both rural and urban areas will help tackle most of these issues. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure, healthy eating habits and lifestyle and creating awareness of these things can help prevent rise in healthcare costs.
46. The passage is mainly about .
A) healthcare costsB) the changing lifestyle
C) health insurance D) change
47. The factors attribute to the rise of healthcare costs include .