READING PASSAGE
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-14, which are based on the reading passage below.

The Changing Face of the Modern Family

A
For decades, the standard model of the family in many cultures was the ‘nuclear family’, consisting of a married couple and their children living under one roof. In this traditional arrangement, roles were strictly defined: one parent was usually the primary breadwinner, while the other managed the household and childcare. However, in recent years, this conventional structure has undergone significant transformations. Economic pressures, shifting cultural norms, and increased opportunities for personal development have all contributed to a broader definition of what constitutes a family today.

B
One of the most notable changes is the physical distance between relatives. In the past, extended families—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—often lived in the same neighborhood, if not the same house. Nowadays, globalization and career opportunities frequently lead people to move far away from their hometowns. Despite this geographical separation, technology has played a crucial role in maintaining family bonds. Video calls, instant messaging, and social media allow relatives to stay intimately connected, sharing daily experiences and milestones even when separated by oceans.

C
Within the household, the distribution of responsibilities has also evolved. The rise of dual-income families, where both partners work full-time, has necessitated a renegotiation of domestic duties. It is now much more common to see shared parenting and an equal division of chores. Fathers are increasingly taking on hands-on roles in their children’s upbringing, taking paternity leave, and participating in everyday tasks from cooking to the school run. This shift not only alleviates the burden on a single caregiver but also fosters closer relationships between children and both parents.

D
Another significant trend is the reduction in average family size. With the rising cost of living and the desire to balance career and personal life, many couples are opting to have fewer children. For the children in these smaller families, there are distinct advantages: they often receive more individualized attention and greater access to financial resources, which can enhance their educational opportunities. On the flip side, some sociologists argue that growing up with fewer siblings might deprive children of crucial early experiences in conflict resolution and sharing.

E
Meanwhile, middle-aged adults are finding themselves in a challenging position, often referred to as the ‘sandwich generation’. Due to increased life expectancy, people are living longer, which is a positive development, but it means that individuals in their forties and fifties frequently have to care for aging parents. Simultaneously, they may still be supporting their own children, who are staying in the family home longer due to high housing costs. This dual responsibility can create immense emotional and financial strain.

F
Ultimately, while the shape and size of the family unit have changed drastically, its fundamental purpose remains the same. Whether it is a traditional nuclear family, a single-parent household, or a blended family formed through remarriage, the family continues to be the primary source of emotional support, socialization, and security. The modern family may look different from that of previous generations, but the core values of love, loyalty, and mutual care endure.

Questions 1-4

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

1. According to paragraph A, what was typical of the traditional nuclear family?

A) Both parents shared domestic duties equally.

B) Family members had clearly established, distinct roles.

C) Economic pressures forced both parents to work.

D) It was the only acceptable family structure in most cultures.

2. What point does the writer make about extended families in paragraph B?

A) They communicate less frequently than they used to.

B) They prefer living in the same neighborhood when possible.

C) Geographical distance has completely broken their bonds.

D) Technology helps them overcome the challenges of physical distance.

3. According to paragraph C, what is a result of dual-income households?

A) Children spend less time with their parents.

B) Fathers are less involved in raising children.

C) Domestic responsibilities are shared more evenly.

D) One parent usually stays at home to do chores.

4. In paragraph E, the ‘sandwich generation’ refers to people who:

A) live in shared accommodation with their extended family.

B) struggle to balance full-time work and personal interests.

C) have responsibilities towards both older and younger relatives.

D) choose to delay having children until later in life.

Questions 5-9

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?

Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

5. Career opportunities are the main reason people move away from their hometowns.

6. Children in smaller families generally receive better educational opportunities.

7. Sociologists agree that children with fewer siblings lack social skills.

8. High housing costs are forcing many young adults to live with their parents.

9. Blended families are currently the most common type of family structure.

Questions 10-14

The reading passage has six paragraphs, A-F.
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs A-E from the list of headings below.

List of Headings

i. Connected despite the distance

ii. The core value remains unchanged

iii. A new balance in parental duties

iv. Caught between two generations

v. The shift from traditional to modern

vi. Implications of having fewer siblings

vii. The financial burden of large families

viii. Reverting to older traditions

10. Paragraph A: ____

11. Paragraph B: ____

12. Paragraph C: ____

13. Paragraph D: ____

14. Paragraph E: ____

Example: Paragraph F: ii