Directions : Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Japan…
2024
Directions : Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
Japan is grappling with a demographic crisis as it faces the reality of being one of the oldest nations in the world. Recent data shows that more than 10% of Japan’s population is aged 80 or older, while 29% are over the age of 65. This aging population, coupled with a declining birth rate, is putting unprecedented pressure on Japan’s government and economy. Projections estimate that the population could shrink from its current 125 million to around 96 million by 2060. By that time, nearly 40% of the population will be over 65, a demographic scenario unparalleled in modern history.
Recognizing the urgency, the Japanese administration has initiated a quick and lighten movement towards solutions. Policymakers are implementing reforms at an accelerated pace to address the challenges posed by this demographic shift. Key strategies include providing (A) older citizens to participate (B) in the workforce and encouraging (C) incentives for women to remain (D) more actively in the job market. In tandem, efforts to modernize industries are being supported by technological advancements such as robotics and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly used to fill labor gaps in eldercare and manufacturing.
Despite these measures, the situation remains complex. Healthcare and pension costs account for approximately 30% of public expenditure, and sustaining the pension system is becoming increasingly difficult. By 2050, there will be nearly one retiree for every working-age person, a stark contrast to the 1970s when the ratio was 1:4. The administration’s lighten movement also focuses on incentivizing higher birth rates by investing in childcare subsidies, parental leave policies, and family support programs. However, societal preferences for smaller families persist, complicating these efforts.
Culturally, Japan’s historically restrictive stance on immigration continues to slow progress in diversifying the workforce. While immigration reform has been explored, achieving substantial change requires overcoming deep rooted societal resistance.
Japan’s quick and lighten movement reflects a determined approach to tackling this demographic crisis, but the road ahead demands multifaceted solutions and cultural shifts. The country’s experience serves as a global case study, offering lessons for nations facing similar demographic transitions.
Choose the correct interchange of words to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
Answer: D. A-C and B-D — ConceptIn a word-interchange (word-swap) question, two pairs of words in the sentence are misplaced. You must swap the words within each pair so that every…
- A.
A-C
- B.
A-B
- C.
B-D
- D.
A-C and B-D
- E.
A-D and B-C
Attempted by 10 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept
In a word-interchange (word-swap) question, two pairs of words in the sentence are misplaced. You must swap the words within each pair so that every verb takes its natural object/complement and every modifier fits its verb. The test is collocation and sense: read the sentence after each swap and keep the version that is both grammatical and meaningful.
Application
The four marked words are: A = providing, B = participate, C = encouraging, D = remain. As written, the sentence reads: “providing older citizens to participate in the workforce … encouraging incentives for women to remain more actively in the job market.”
Two collocations are broken:
You encourage people to do something — you do not “provide people to participate.” So the verb governing “older citizens … in the workforce” must be encouraging.
You provide incentives — you do not “encourage incentives.” So the verb governing “incentives for women” must be providing.
That fixes the first pair by swapping providing (A) with encouraging (C). Now the second pair: the adverb phrase “more actively” describes taking part, which is participate, not the stative verb remain. And “older citizens … in the workforce” naturally pairs with remain (keep working). So swap participate (B) with remain (D).
After both swaps the sentence reads:
“encouraging older citizens to remain in the workforce … and providing incentives for women to participate more actively in the job market.”
Cross-check
Read each clause back: “encourage … to remain in the workforce” — verb + person + infinitive, correct; “provide incentives … to participate more actively” — “provide” takes “incentives,” and the adverb “more actively” correctly modifies “participate.” Both clauses are now grammatical and contextual, so exactly two swaps are required: A with C, and B with D.