Over the same period, the divorce rate has remained relatively unchanged with 2.6 divorces for every 1,000 people in 2005 and 2.5 divorces per 1,000 people in 1986. The annual number of divorces occurred in 2001 when there were 55,300 divorces recorded. This peak has been followed by recent declines, with 52,400 divorces in 2005.
As well as marrying less, Australians are to marry later than in the past. In 1986, the median age at first marriage for men was 25.6 years, increasing to 30.0 years in 2005. For women, the median age at first marriage increased from 23.5 years in 1986 to 28.0 years in 2005.
People are also divorcing at older ages. In 2005, the median age of divorcing men was 43.5 years, compared with 37.5 years in 1986, while for women the median age in 2005 was 40.8 compared with 34.7 years in 1986.
The decline in marriage rates and increase in divorce rates has led to a decrease in the of the population that is formally married. In 1986, 60% of the population aged 15 years and over were married; by 2001 this proportion had decreased to 55%. , the proportion of the population aged 15 years and over who were never married increased from 29% in 1986 to 32% in 2001.
Result:
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Correct answer: decrease
Explanation: The word 'decrease' fits grammatically as it is a verb that indicates a reduction in quantity, aligning with the context of marriage rates declining since 1986. It matches the tense and subject of the sentence, which discusses a trend over time.
Meaning: 'Decrease' means to become smaller or less in amount, number, or size.
Wrong options:
- increase: 'Increase' suggests a rise in numbers, which contradicts the context of declining marriage rates.
- degrade: 'Degrade' implies a decline in quality rather than quantity, making it unsuitable in this context.
- reduce: 'Reduce' is a synonym for decrease but is not the correct grammatical form needed in this sentence.
Correct answer: crude
Explanation: The term 'crude' is appropriate here as it refers to the basic or raw divorce rate, which is a standard measure in demographic statistics. It fits grammatically and contextually with the discussion of divorce rates.
Meaning: 'Crude' in this context means the overall or unadjusted rate, without any modifications or considerations.
Wrong options:
- moderate: 'Moderate' suggests a middle level, which does not accurately describe the statistical nature of the divorce rate.
- singular: 'Singular' implies uniqueness, which does not apply to the concept of a divorce rate that encompasses many cases.
- sporadic: 'Sporadic' indicates irregular occurrences, which is not relevant to the consistent measurement of divorce rates.
Correct answer: greatest
Explanation: The word 'greatest' is suitable as it indicates the highest number of divorces recorded, fitting the context of discussing peak statistics. It aligns with the comparative structure of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Greatest' means the largest in amount or degree, referring to the peak number of divorces.
Wrong options:
- minimal: 'Minimal' suggests a very small amount, which contradicts the context of discussing the highest number of divorces.
- excessive: 'Excessive' implies an unreasonable amount, which does not accurately describe the statistical peak.
- counterfeit: 'Counterfeit' refers to something fake or not genuine, which is irrelevant in the context of divorce statistics.
Correct answer: tending
Explanation: The word 'tending' fits well as it indicates a tendency or inclination towards marrying later, which is the main idea being conveyed. It matches the grammatical structure of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Tending' means having a tendency to do something, in this case, marrying later.
Wrong options:
- wishing: 'Wishing' implies a desire rather than an observable trend, making it unsuitable here.
- forced: 'Forced' suggests compulsion, which does not align with the voluntary nature of marriage decisions.
- asked: 'Asked' implies a request, which does not fit the context of discussing trends in marriage age.
Correct answer: level
Explanation: The word 'level' is appropriate as it refers to the proportion of the population that is married, fitting the context of demographic statistics. It aligns grammatically with the sentence structure.
Meaning: 'Level' in this context refers to the extent or degree of something, specifically the percentage of married individuals.
Wrong options:
- discussion: 'Discussion' refers to talking about a topic, which does not relate to the statistical measurement of marriage.
- comparison: 'Comparison' implies evaluating similarities or differences, which is not relevant to the context of marriage rates.
- stage: 'Stage' suggests a phase or step, which does not accurately describe the statistical measurement of marriage levels.
Correct answer: Conversely
Explanation: The word 'Conversely' is suitable as it indicates a contrast to the previous statement about marriage rates, fitting the logical flow of the text. It serves as a discourse marker that connects two opposing ideas.
Meaning: 'Conversely' means in an opposite way, indicating a shift in the discussion from marriage rates to those who are never married.
Wrong options:
- Fixed: 'Fixed' implies something that is unchanging, which does not convey the contrast needed in this context.
- Similarly: 'Similarly' suggests a likeness, which contradicts the contrasting nature of the information being presented.
- Assumingly: 'Assumingly' implies a presumption, which does not fit the logical transition required in this context.
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