题目
The International Labor Organization reports global growth in real wages slowed dramatically in 2008 as a result of the economic crisis and wages are expected to drop even further this year, despite signs of a possible economic recovery. The agency has just issued an update of its "Global Wage Report". The report says the decrease of real wages around the world calls into question the true extent of an economic recovery, especially if government rescue packages are phased out too early. In a sample of 53 countries for which data are available, the ILO finds growth in real average wages had declined from 4.3% in 2007 to 1.4% in 2008. The report warns the picture on wages is likely to get worse this year, despite indications of an economic rebound (反弹). Declining wage rates are linked to the levels of unemployment. The quite dramatic unemployment figures, which we now see in some of the countries, strongly suggest that there will be greater pressure on wages in the future as more people will be unemployed, more people will be looking for jobs and the pressure on employers to raise wages to attract workers will decline. The report finds more than a quarter of the countries experienced flat or falling monthly wages in real terms. The second important finding in the report is that both developed and developing countries have strengthened their minimum wages in recent years. A large number of countries, including major economies such as the US, Brazil, Russia and also Japan have increased minimum wages by more than inflation figures in 2008. And, these countries have also addressed their minimum wages further in 2009. The minimum wages are an important tool for social protection and that everyone should have access to decent minimum living wage. The report notes the link between productivity growth and wage increases is essential for economic and social sustainability (持续性). It argues companies should be able to achieve competitiveness through rising productivity rather than by cutting labor costs. And, it says workers should have enough bargaining position to defend their wages.1. Which of the following is true about the global wage in 2008 according to the passage?A) It was kept stable so as to help economic recovery.B) It stopped dropping owing to the economic recovery.C) It dropped slightly due to the governments' measures.D) It dropped sharply because of the economic crisis. 2. Which of the following is closely related to the declining wage rates?A) Government rescue packages.B) The unemployment rate. C) The economic rebound.D) Companies' competitiveness.3. What do we learn about minimum wage from the passage?A) Minimum wages are important for both society and individuals. B) Few countries have increased their minimum wages in recent years.C) Minimum wages can't really help people to get rid of poverty.D) Everyone can have access to decent minimum wages in the US.4. What can we infer about the link between productivity growth and wage increase?A) It can influence the companies' competitiveness in the coming years.B) It is important for the sustainable development of economy and society. C) It requires companies to reduce labor costs to gain competitiveness.D) It pushes the workers to get higher positions to maintain their wages.5. What is the author's anticipation of the global wage for the near future?A) Optimistic.B) Pessimistic. C) Unconvincing.D) Uncertain.
The International Labor Organization reports global growth in real wages slowed dramatically in 2008 as a result of the economic crisis and wages are expected to drop even further this year, despite signs of a possible economic recovery. The agency has just issued an update of its "Global Wage Report". The report says the decrease of real wages around the world calls into question the true extent of an economic recovery, especially if government rescue packages are phased out too early. In a sample of 53 countries for which data are available, the ILO finds growth in real average wages had declined from 4.3% in 2007 to 1.4% in 2008. The report warns the picture on wages is likely to get worse this year, despite indications of an economic rebound (反弹). Declining wage rates are linked to the levels of unemployment. The quite dramatic unemployment figures, which we now see in some of the countries, strongly suggest that there will be greater pressure on wages in the future as more people will be unemployed, more people will be looking for jobs and the pressure on employers to raise wages to attract workers will decline. The report finds more than a quarter of the countries experienced flat or falling monthly wages in real terms. The second important finding in the report is that both developed and developing countries have strengthened their minimum wages in recent years. A large number of countries, including major economies such as the US, Brazil, Russia and also Japan have increased minimum wages by more than inflation figures in 2008. And, these countries have also addressed their minimum wages further in 2009. The minimum wages are an important tool for social protection and that everyone should have access to decent minimum living wage. The report notes the link between productivity growth and wage increases is essential for economic and social sustainability (持续性). It argues companies should be able to achieve competitiveness through rising productivity rather than by cutting labor costs. And, it says workers should have enough bargaining position to defend their wages.1. Which of the following is true about the global wage in 2008 according to the passage?A) It was kept stable so as to help economic recovery.B) It stopped dropping owing to the economic recovery.C) It dropped slightly due to the governments' measures.D) It dropped sharply because of the economic crisis. 2. Which of the following is closely related to the declining wage rates?A) Government rescue packages.B) The unemployment rate. C) The economic rebound.D) Companies' competitiveness.3. What do we learn about minimum wage from the passage?A) Minimum wages are important for both society and individuals. B) Few countries have increased their minimum wages in recent years.C) Minimum wages can't really help people to get rid of poverty.D) Everyone can have access to decent minimum wages in the US.4. What can we infer about the link between productivity growth and wage increase?A) It can influence the companies' competitiveness in the coming years.B) It is important for the sustainable development of economy and society. C) It requires companies to reduce labor costs to gain competitiveness.D) It pushes the workers to get higher positions to maintain their wages.5. What is the author's anticipation of the global wage for the near future?A) Optimistic.B) Pessimistic. C) Unconvincing.D) Uncertain.
题目解答
答案
1.D
2.B
3.A
4.B
5.B