[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