Passage Four Questions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage. The age of gilded youth is over. Today’s under-thirties are the first generation for a century who can expect a lower living standard than their parents. Research into the lifestyle and prospects of people born since 1970 shows that they are likely to face a lifetime of longer working hours, lower job security and higher taxes than the previous generation. When they leave work late in the evening they will be more likely to return to a small rented flat than to a house of their own. When, eventually, they retire it will be on pensions far lower in real terms than those of their immediate forebears. The findings are revealed in a study of the way the ageing of Britain’s population is affecting different generations. Anthea Tinker, professor of social gerontology at King’s College London, who carried out much of the work, said the growth of the proportion of people over 50 had reversed the traditional flow of wealth from older to younger generations. “Today’s older middle-aged and elderly are becoming the new winners,” she said. “They made relatively small contributions in tax but now make relatively big claims on the welfare system. Generations born in the last three to four decades face the prospect of handing over more than a third of their lifetime’s earnings to care for them”。 The surging number of older people, many living alone, has also increased demand for property and pushed up house prices. While previous generations found it easy to raise a mortgage, today’s under-thirties have to live with their parents or rent. If they can afford to buy a home it is more likely to be a flat than a house. Laura Lenox-Conyngham, 28, grew up in a large house and her mother did not need to work. Unlike her wealthy parents, she graduated with student and postgraduate loan debts of ￡13, 000. She now earns about ￡20,000 a year, preparing food to be photographed for magazines. Her home is a one-bedroom flat in central London and she sublets the lounge sofa-bed to her brother. “My father took pity and paid off my student debts,” she said. “But I still have no pension and no chance of buying a property for at least a couple of years—and then it will be something small in a bad area. My only hope is the traditional one of meeting a rich man.” Tinker’s research reveals Lenox-Conyngham is representative of many young professionals, especially in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. 26. By saying “the growth of the proportion of people over 50 had reversed the traditional flow of wealth from older to younger generations” (Lines 23, Para. 5), Anthea Tinker really means that . A) currently wealth flows from old generation to younger generation B) traditionally wealth flows from younger generation to old generation C) with the increasingly big population of over 50, the trend arises that wealth flows from younger generation to old generation D) with more and more people of over 50, traditions have been reversed
27. Why are today’s older middle-aged and elderly becoming the new winners? A) Because they made relatively small contributions in tax, but younger generation will possibly hand over more than a third of their lifetime’s earnings for the care of them. B) Because they contributed a lot in tax and now can claim much on the welfare system. C) Because they made small contributions, but now can make money easily. D) Because they outnumber younger generation and enjoy more privileges in the present society.
28. Which factor pushed up house prices? A) Many young men, who live alone, have increased demand for houses. B) Many young men need to rent more houses. C) It is easy to apply for a mortgage for young generation. D) The number of older people, many of whom live alone, becomes bigger and bigger.
29. In what way does Laura Lenox-Conyngham make her living? A) By taking photographs for magazines. B) By marrying a rich man. C) By subletting the lounge sofa-bed to her brother.