The small number of newborn babies, which has been caused by high prices and the changing social
situation of women, is one of the most serious problems in Asia. When people talk about it, you can hear
a word invented in Japan, "DINK", which means Double Income No Kids.
In many major Asian cities like Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo, the cost of a house is extremely high.
A young couple who want to buy their own house may have to pay about $3000,000 (though prices
have fallen). For a flat with one bedrooms, one dining-room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, the couple will
pay about $900 a month. What's more, if they want to have a child, the child's education is very
expensive. For example, most kindergarten charges are at least $5.000 a year. In such a situation, it's
difficult to afford children.
The number of married women who want to continue working because they enjoy their jobs.
However, if they want to have children, they immediately have serious problems. Though most
companies allow women to leave their jobs for a short time to have a baby, they expect women with
babies to give up their jobs. In short, if they want to bring up children properly, both parents have to
work, but it is hard for mothers to work. Indeed, women who want to continue working have to choose
between having children or keeping their jobs.
In a word, Asian governments must take steps to improve the present situation as soon as possible.
1. What is the main problem being discussed in the passage?
A. The small number of newborn babies.
B. The changing social situation of women.
C. The high prices of houses and education.
D. The necessary steps of Asian government.
2. According to the passage, which of the following is true?
A. It is easy for a couple to afford a child in Asia.
B. The prices of in Asia are quite low now.
C. Fewer and fewer married women want to have a job.
D. The word "DINKS" appeared in an Asian country.
3. To buy a flat and send a child to kindergarten, how much will a couple pay each year?
A. 85,000
B. 85,900
C. $10.800
D. $15.800
4. The writer seems to believe that Asian governments should ________.
A. let women stay at home and have a baby
B. allow one of the parents to go out to work
C. care for the growing needs of women for job.
D. the companies that permit women to leave.
