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     In the past, American families tended to be quite large. Parents raising five or more children were

common. Over the years, the size of the family has decreased. One reason for this is an increase in the

cost of living. On the average, children attend schools for more years than they used to, making them

financially dependent on their families longer. Moreover, children nowadays are better dressed and have

more money to spend on entertainment. The parents usually take the responsibility for all the expenses.

Meanwhile, families are less close than they used to be. More and more American mothers work away

from home. The break up of the family occurs when the parents divorce. A lot of children in the U. S.

live part of their young lives with only one parent. Broken families usually result in problems for children

and parents alike. Children blame themselves when their parents separate. They grow up feeling unsettled

as they are moved back and forth between parents. Usually one parent is responsible for raising the children.

These single parents must care for the children's emotional and psychological needs while also supporting

them financially. This is very demanding and leaves very little time for the parent's own personal interests.

Single parents often marry other single parents. In this type of family, unrelated children are forced to

develop brother or sister relationship. The situations of many American families today are not good.

However, recent signs indicate that things are getting better. The divorce rate is declining. The rate of

childbirth is rising. Perhaps Americans have learned how important families are.

1. In the past, American families tended to be _____. [ ]

A. quite small

B. medium sized

C. quite large

D. small

2. To parents who take the responsibility for children's expenses, the cost of living increases because _____. [ ]

A. children attend school for more years

B. children are better dressed

C. children spend more money on entertainment

D. all of the above

3. According to the author, the situations of American families in the future may _____. [ ]

A. become worse

B. remain the same

C. get better

D. keep unchanged

4. The title of the article might be _____. [ ]

A. American Children

B. American Families

C. American Mother

D. American Parents