Read the passage below and choose one correct answer for each question:
Today the most important population trends are the fast growth in the number of elderly people and the sharp drop in the number of teenagers leaving school. The size of the elderly population is growing because people are living longer and fewer babies have been born.
In 1911, only 5 percent of the UK population was older than 65. Today, the figure is more than 15 percent. Over the next decade the greatest increase will be in people aged 75 and over. The drop in the number of school-leavers was caused by the fall in the birth rate between 1964 and 1977. This trend is known as the "demographic time bomb" - because demographers knew that, once the birth rate fell, there was no way to stop it having an explosive effect on the economy and on society 16 years later.
However, the impact may well be short-term. According to some forecasters the UK's birth rate may soon become one of the highest in western Europe.
1. What are the most important population trends today? - They are ___________.
A. the fast growth in the number of elderly people
B. the sharp drop in the number of teenagers leaving school
C. the fewer babies
D. A & B
2. How many percent of the UK population was older than 65 in 1911?
A. Only 5 percent.
B. Only 15 percent.
C. Only 25 percent.
D. Only 10 percent.
3. What will the greatest increase be in over the next decade?
A. In people aged 75 and over.
B. In people aged 65.
C. In the number of school-leavers.
D. In the newly born babies.
4. What was the drop in the number of school-leavers caused by?
A. The explosion in the birth rate between 1964 and 1977.
B. The increase in the birth rate between 1964 and 1977.
C. The fall in the birth rate between 1964 and 1977.
D. the number in the birth rate between 1964 and 1977.
5. According to some forecasters, what is the UK's birth rate like?
A. It may soon become one of the highest in Europe.
B. It may soon become one of the highest in the world.
C. It may soon become one of the highest in western Europe.
D. It may soon become one of the highest in eastern Europe.
