申論題

II. Making an integrated reading comprehension test 

     Design four integrated reading questions for the new General Scholastic Ability Test (新型 學測混合題型). Include at least three different types (e.g., multiple-choice, matching, ordering, table completion, short-answer, true/false, blank-filling). The article doesn’t need to be rewritten. Provide the correct answer for each question.

    In South Korea, an increasing number of women are opting not to have children, contributing to the country's very low birth rate of 0.72 in 2023, much lower than the 2.1 needed for a stable population. The country is making efforts to boost birth rates with financial incentives, including support for married couples, subsidized housing, and free taxis. However, none of these help increase childbirth. Women, especially, are choosing to remain child-free due to various reasons.

    The conflict between career achievement and traditional gender roles emerges as a central issue. Yejin, a 30-year-old television producer, who decided not to get married and not to have children, reflects the thoughts of many women who resist traditional expectations. She cites the difficulty in finding a supportive partner willing to share the chores and childcare equally.

    The demanding work culture in Korea, with long hours and a focus on continuous selfimprovement, contributes to women prioritizing their careers over starting a family. With societal expectations that mothers should take a significant break from their careers, there is a fear that taking time off for motherhood might limit career progression, leading many women to give up the thought of having children. Women who have pursued higher education and career opportunities are under the stress of choosing between professional success and family life.

    Even if a woman wants to give up work, she cannot afford to because the cost of housing is too high. Financial concerns, such as high housing costs and the expenses of private education, also play a role. A 2022 study found that only 2% of parents did not pay for private tuition, while 94% said it was a financial burden. This, adding to a competitive societal mindset, makes Korea the most expensive country to raise a child.

    Policymakers are still finding ways to deal with the situation, recognizing it as a "national emergency,” which poses a threat to the country's future workforce, military service, and demographic structure. It’s crucial that policymakers address the root causes of the issue.