In this article, the writer is seeking to

A challenge certain predictions made by researchers.

В explain why recent research may be inaccurate in its findings.

С provide a counter argument to some conclusions reached by researchers.

D highlight possible consequences of social changes identified by researchers.

4 What does the writer's anecdote about the nameplate illustrate?

A how unaware the family's friends were of their difficulties.

В how unreasonable she feels her grandfather's behaviour was.

С how aware she was as a child of tensions within the family.

D how hard her father tried not to offend his wife's family

Guest speaker Charlotte Allen brought a wholly unexpected message to the College in her talk on March 29. Traditional extended families allowed women more freedom, privacy, power and self-worth than they gain from the fragmented families and communities produced by the modem 'cult of self-fulfilment,’ she argued.

Extended families have been the basic social unit worldwide and throughout history, even when people physically reside in nuclear households Allen claimed, citing several studies. People in such families have important relationships with different family members, so that their self-worth and contentment do not depend on a lifelong emotional and intellectual romance with their spouses.

Allen described a way of life that is now largely abandoned in the West. It was characterised by families * bound by duly and necessity rather than by a quest for self-fulfilment. They were economically productive units in which women did socially respected work in or near the home, children helped with chores, and older people helped raise children.

Allen read an excerpt by feminist author Germaine Greer that described a mid-20th-century Italian family. The married couple grew apart as their romance wore off, but maintained a web of relationships with in-laws, siblings and parents. In contrast, Allen explained, American women who moved to the suburbs after World War II found themselves isolated from any extended family or community. Their only long-term relationships were within the household, and they were forced into inescapable intimacy with only one person. Their husbands became their only source of adult conversation. Suddenly, women began noticing that men weren't 'supportive', or 'responsive', and didn't share their feelings. Theirdiscontent focused on the only family relationships they had left.

5 The writer thinks that the theme of Charlotte Allen's talk may

A come as something of a surprise to his readers.

В confirm his readers' negative feelings about the nuclear family.

С contradict his readers' positive ideas about the extended family.

D make his readers reconsider other beliefs they have about family life.

6 Charlotte Allen mentioned Germaine Greer's work to emphasise the point that the nuclear family

A has reduced the status of women in the community.

В has changed the attitude of men to their families.

С never really existed until the last fifty years.

D puts too much pressure on one relationship.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1232