Reading. The reasons for rapid population growth

THE REASONS FOR RAPID POPULATION GROWTH

Statistics show that rapid population growth creates problems for developing

countries. So why don't people have fewer children? Statistics from the developed

countries suggest that it is only when people's living standards begin to rise that birth

rates begin to fall. There are good reasons for this. Poor countries cannot afford

social services and old age pensions, and people's incomes are so low they have

nothing to spare for savings. As a result, people look to their children to provide

them with security in their old age. Having a large family can be a form of insurance.

And even while they are still quite young, children can do a lot of useful jobs on a

small farm. So poor people in a developing country will need to see clear signs of

much better conditions ahead before they can think of having smaller families. But

their conditions cannot be improved unless there is a reduction in the rate at which

population is increasing. This will depend on a very much wider acceptance of family

planning and this, in turn, will mean basic changes in attitudes.

EXERCISE 1: Find words or phrases in the passage which mean the same as:

COLUMN A COLUMNB

a) money paid periodically by the government to

people who have retired (phrase)

b) wages; salaries; money earned, usually, from

work

c) money kept, often in a bank, for use at a later

time

d) depend or rely on someone; expect or hope

someone will help (phrase)

e) the act of agreeing to do or use something

f) as a result; in proper order or sequence

g) fundamental

h) way of thinking or feeling

52 • ELS

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EXERCISE 2: Choose the correct answer according to the passage.

1. According to the writer, people in poor countries have a lot of children mainly because

A) they rely on them for support during their old age

B) they aren't yet prepared for family planning due to their religious beliefs

C) they usually become involved with farming, which makes it easier for them to be fed

D) methods of family planning are not being satisfactorily practised in those countries

E) they receive government support for every child

2. The writer points out that, before deciding upon family planning

A) governments of poor countries should increase the amount of old age pensions

B) developed countries should help developing ones to improve their standards of living

C) governments of developing countries must forbid parents to use child labour on farms

D) people in poor countries want to be sure of their future

E) people in poor countries must be educated by social services, being clearly shown the

advantages of having fewer children

3. We can conclude from the writer's statements that birth rates in developed countries

A) should be higher so that the population can meet the demand for manpower

B) can't be reduced without strict family planning

C) decreased as standards of living increased

D) will go on increasing unless people change their attitudes radically

E) are now keeping pace with economic growth

EXERCISE 3: Complete the sentences by selecting words from Column B in EXERCISE 1.

1. Many people believe that the British have a kinder to their animals

than they do to their children!

2. The elimination of pollution in the seas round Istanbul will, lead to the

increase in the number and variety offish to be found.

3. If I ever have a really serious problem, I know that I can always my

friends for help.

4. The ingredients for any cake are flour, butter, eggs and sugar.

5. My monthly is barely enough to pay for the essentials.