Read the following passage. Answer the questions according to the information gi

Read the following passage. Answer thequestions according to the information given in the passage and the requiredwords limit. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

The worst US economic recession (萧条) in 70 years is forcing seniorcitizens out of retirement, leaving them fighting for jobs in a weak labormarket or risking homelessness.

A study by Experience Works, released onTuesday, showed 46 percent of the 2,000 low income people over 55 years whoparticipated needed to find work to keep their homes. Nearly half of them hadbeen searching for work for more than a year.

“These people are at the age where theyunderstandably thought their job-searching years were behind them,” saidCynthia Metzler, president and CEO of Experience Works.

“But here they are, many in their 60s, 70sand beyond, desperate to find work so they can keep a roof over their heads andfood on the table.”

According to the study, many of theparticipants had no intention of working past their 60th birthday, but had tochange plans after being dismissed or following the death of the partner. Overa third of the participants had retired.

Ninety percent of respondents 76 years andolder planned to continue working for the next five years.

Huge medical bills due to a personal illnessor that of a spouse(配偶)were also reasons for coming out of retirement, the survey found. The longestand deepest economic slump since the 1930s is making finding a job for thelow-income elderly workers a difficult challenge.

The Experience Works study found that 46percent of the elderly jobseekers were sometimes forced to choose betweenpaying rent, buying food or medication. Almost three-quarters believed theirage made it harder to compete for jobs with younger workers.

“This study underscores calls for the need tocreate policies that remove barriers to employment for older workers andprovide additional programs and services specifically aimed at helping olderpeople re-enter the work force or remain working,” said Metzler.

1. What has caused the American retiredsenior citizens back to work?  (No more than 8 words)

2. Why is it hard for the elderly job seekersto find a job?  (No more than 13 words)

3. Use several words to describe the possiblefeelings of the elderly job seekers? (No more than 4 words)

4. What might be the solution to the problemaccording to the study?  (No more than 15 words)

试题答案

【答案】

 The worst US economic recession in 70years

  Because their age made it hard tocompete for jobs with younger workers. /Because they are too old to compete forjobs with younger workers.

 Worried, obliged, upset.

 Suitable policies should be made tohelp the elderly work. /Removing barriers to employment and providingadditional programs and services for older workers.

【解析】略