2010年6月英语六级全真预测试卷及答案解析(2)

　　These findings are revealed in a study of the way the ageing of Britain's population is affecting different generations.

　　Anthea Tinker, professor of social gerontology(老人学)at King's College London, who carried out much of the work, said the growth of the proportion of people over 50 had reversed the traditional flow of wealth from older to younger generations.

　　"Today's older middle-aged and elderly are becoming the new winners," she said. "They made relatively small contributions in tax but now make relatively big claims on the welfare system. Generations born in the last three to four decades face the prospect of handing over more than a third of their lifetime's earnings to care for them."

　　The surging number of older people, many living alone, has also increased demand for property and pushed up house prices. While previous generations found it easy to raise a mortgage, today's under-thirties have to live with their parents or rent. If they can afford to buy a home it is more likely to be a flat than a house.

　　Laura Lenox-Conyngham, 28, grew up in a large house and her mother did not need to work. Unlike her wealthy parents, she graduated with student and postgraduate loan debts of ￡13,000. She now earns about ￡20,000 a year, preparing food to be photographed for magazines. Her home is a one-bedroom flat in central London and she sublets(转租)the lunge sofa-bed to her brother.

　　"My father took pity and paid off my student debts," she said. "But I still have no pension and no chance of buying a property for at least a couple of years—and then it will be something small in a bad area. My only hope is the traditional one of meeting a rich man."

　　Tinker's research reveals Lenox-Conyngham is representative of many young professionals, especially in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol.

　　57. By saying "the growth of the proportion...to younger generations." (Line 2, Para. 5), Anthea Tinker really means that ________.

　　[A] currently wealth flows from old generation to younger generation

　　[B] traditionally wealth flows from younger generation to old generation

　　[C] with the increasingly big population of over 50, the trend arises that wealth flows from younger generation to old generation

　　[D] with more and more people of over 50, traditions have been reversed

　　58. Why are today's older middle-aged and elderly becoming the new winners?

　　[A] Because they made relatively small contributions in tax, but younger generation will possibly hand over more than a third of their lifetime's earnings for the care of them.

　　[B] Because they contributed a lot in tax and now can claim much on the welfare system.

　　[C] Because they made small contributions, but now can make money easily.

　　[D] Because they outnumber younger generation and enjoy more privileges in the present society.

　　59. Which factor pushed up house prices?

　　[A] Many young men, who live alone, have increased demand for houses.

　　[B] Many young men need to rent more houses.

　　[C] It is easy to apply for a mortgage for young generation.

　　[D] The number of older people, many of whom live alone, becomes bigger and bigger.

　　60. In what way does Laura Lenox-Conyngham make her living?

　　[A] By taking photographs for magazines.

　　[B] By marring a rich man.

　　[C] By subletting the lounge sofa-bed to her brother.

　　[D] By preparing food for photographs for some magazines.

　　61. We can conclude from the passage that ________.

　　[A] today's under-thirties are leading a miserable life in Britain

　　[B] Laura Lenox-Conyngham's attitude to work and life represents that of many young professionals in Britain

　　[C] Life can get harder for under-thirties in Britain

　　[D] elders enjoy extremely high living standards in Britain

　　Part V Error Correction (15 minutes)

　　Directions: This part consists of a short passage. In this passage, there are altogether 10 mistakes, one in each numbered line. You may have to change a word, add a word or delete a word. Mark out the mistakes and put the corrections in the blanks provided. If you change a word, cross it out and write the correct word in the corresponding blank. If you add a word, put an insertion mark (∧) in the right place and write the missing word in the blank. If you delete a word, cross it out and put a slash (/) in the blank.

　　Example:

　　Television is rapidly becoming the literature of our periods. 1. time/times/period

　　Many of the arguments having used for the study of literature 2. /

　　as a school subject are valid for ∧ study of television. 3. the

　　More people than ever are drinking coffee these

　　days—but in small quantities than they used to. Some 62. ________

　　manufactures of coffee makers are trying to make 63. ________

　　advantage of this trend by developing diminutive

　　machines that brew(煮)smaller amounts of coffee.