2015职称英语考试综合类A级真题及答案

　　第三篇

　　The Sandwich Generation

　　Today people often look forward to their middle age as a time when they will be able to take things easier. After their children are grown, they expect to enjoy the life they have worked hard to create. However, the reality is often very different. In middle age, many people discover that they have two ongoing responsibilities: one is to look after their aging parents, and the other is to help their young adult children deal with the pressures of life.

　　Around the world, there are millions of people who are "sandwiched" in between the older and the younger generations. Sometimes there may be two or three generations living in the same household - a situation that is common in many Asian countries and in some parts of Europe. In other cases, a couple may be taking care of parents and children, but they do not live with them.

　　There are two important reasons for the rise of the sandwich generation. First, people

　　are living longer than they used to. In the early nineteenth century, the average life expectancy for adults in the United States, for example, was about 40, whereas today people live to an average age of 75. Therefore, children are taking care of their parents over a longer period of time. The second reason is that these days, young adults often live with their parents for a longer time than they did in the past. This is often for financial reasons.lt's also more common for today's young adults to return home during or after college if they need financial or emotional support.

　　Young adults feel sandwiched between their financial responsibilities and their desire to enjoy life. They may have to cover expenses that their parents cannot. They may have to manage their parents' financial and legal affairs. They may have to prepare for their parents' future needs, such as special financial care or a move to a nursing home. This can be a traumatic (长期困扰的) experience for everyone.

　　Caring for adult children presents chaIlenges as well, and caregivers have to resolve important questions: How can financial responsibilities be shared among members of the household? How can house*hold chores be shared? What is the best way to ensure everyone’s privacy? Successfully copying with these issues can avoid a lot of stress for the whole family. The financial and emotional pressures on the sandwich generation can be overwhelming. However, this time in life also has its rewards. It can be a time to rediscover the special qualities of one's parents or children. It can also provide a valuable opportunity to spend more time with them. However, in order to survive this difficult period in their lives, the members of the sandwich generation must remember that they also need to pay attention to their own needs and look after the quality of their own lives. They can't be totally selfless.

　　41 According to the first pa'ta4graph, many people in middle age

　　A are able to take things easier when their children are grown.

　　B can't enjoy their life because they haven't worked hard enough.

　　C are facing great pressure from their work.

　　D can't enjoy their life as they have expected

　　42 Which is true about the sandwich generation?

　　A Their parents are unable to take care of themselves.

　　B Their parents are often facing the pressures of life.

　　C They are torn -between the responsibilities for their parents and children.

　　D They all have to live with their parents and children.

　　43 Why do some young adults choose to live with their parents these days?

　　A They are too young to be independent from their parents.

　　B They need support from their parents to deall with their financial problems.

　　C They want to help their parents to take care of their grandparents.

　　D They are more emotional than the young adults in the past.

　　44 The sandwich generation face the k;:4llowtng challenges EXCEPT

　　A sharing household chores. .

　　B ensuring everyone's privacy.

　　C shouldering the financial responsibilities of the household

　　D determining who is the caregiver of the family.

　　45 To survive the difficult period in their lives, the sandwich generation need to

　　A be totally selfless.

　　B consider their own wellbeing.

　　C rediscover the merits of their children.

　　D value the time spent with their parents.